Cross-cultural adaptation of the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) into Brazilian Portuguese and clinimetric testing of the PGQ and Roland Morris questionnaire in pregnancy pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) into Brazilian Portuguese and test the measurement properties of the PGQ and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) in women with pelvic pain during pregnancy.

METHODS: Thirty pregnant women were included in the assessment of the pre-test of the final version of the PGQ and 100 were included in the assessment of the measurement properties. In the initial assessment, the PGQ, RMDQ, pain numerical rating scale, and WHOQOL-BREF were applied to test the internal consistency and construct validity. In the 48-hour assessment, only the PGQ and RMDQ were applied to test reliability and measurement error; in the reassessment after one month, the PGQ, RMDQ, and global perceived effect scale were applied to evaluate responsiveness.

RESULTS: The PGQ showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.83), substantial reliability (ICC2,1 =0.85), very good measurement error (5%), and good responsiveness (r=-0.62). We also observed good correlation with disability and quality of life in the physical health domain, moderate correlation with pain and quality of life in the psychological domain, and poor correlation with quality of life in the domains social relationships and environment. The RMDQ showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.80), substantial reliability (ICC2,1 =0.76), good measurement error (9%), moderate responsiveness (r=-0.51), moderate correlation with quality of life in the physical health and psychological domains, and weak correlation with pain and quality of life in the social relationships and environment domains.

CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PGQ showed superior measurement properties compared to the RMDQ, being a valid, reliable, and responsive instrument for assessing patients with pelvic pain during pregnancy.