Measurement Properties of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Children and Adolescents for Children and Adolescents Postconcussion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine and report the construct validity, internal consistency, and item structure of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Children and Adolescents (DHI-CA) in postconcussion children and adolescents.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 132 participants. Data were extracted on the DHI-CA, Sports Concussion Assessment Tool-III symptom inventory, and Vestibulo-ocular Motor Screening. The DHI-CA was examined for validity, internal consistency, and factor structure.

RESULTS

The DHI-CA had fair convergent validity (rs = 0.30-0.40), but discriminant validity findings were inconclusive. The functional subscale demonstrated least consistent loadings and 4 items had cross-loading. Reliability analysis indicated possible item redundancy given that the overall Cronbach α was higher than the subscales.

CONCLUSION

Despite demonstrating convergent validity, structural inconsistencies and possible item redundancy warrant further exploration and restructuring of the DHI-CA. Caution is recommended while making clinical decisions based on the DHI-CA results alone.

VIDEO ABSTRACT: For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A303.