Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Early-Onset Scoliosis Self Report Questionnaire (EOSQ-SELF)

Title : Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Early-Onset Scoliosis Self Report Questionnaire (EOSQ-SELF)

Abstract:

Purpose: The Early-Onset Scoliosis Self-Report Questionnaire (EOSQ-SELF) is a self- assessment tool for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). It complements the 24-item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24), which relies on proxy reporting. Originally validated in English and Chinese, this study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the EOSQ-SELF for Spanish-speaking Hispanic populations, enhancing its applicability in assessing HRQoL in children with EOS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2024 with children aged 7 to 14 years diagnosed with EOS, recruited from pediatric orthopedic centers in Puerto Rico. The EOSQ-SELF was translated and culturally adapted using forward-backward translation and expert review. Participants completed the questionnaire twice, with a two-week interval. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and test-retest reliability. Content validity was assessed by an expert panel, while discriminative ability was analyzed using nonparametric tests and regression. (Approved by IRB)

Results: Thirty participants (mean age 11 years, 53.3% female) provided valid responses. The mean Cobb angle was 60.12° ± 18.30°. The Spanish EOSQ-SELF demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.937) and effectively distinguished between different scoliosis severities and types.

Conclusions: The Spanish EOSQ-SELF is a reliable and valid tool for assessing self- reported HRQoL in Hispanic children with EOS. It has significant utility in clinical and research settings, broadening the scope of EOS patient-centered care.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Biography:

Joseph Salem is a rising fourth-year medical student at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine with a strong background in orthopaedic surgery research. Of Puerto Rican and Lebanese descent, he brings a diverse perspective to his work in musculoskeletal health. His work focuses on clinical and imaging-related outcomes in distal radius fractures, the efficacy and long-term recovery of surgical interventions for lateral epicondylitis, and the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Early-Onset Scoliosis Self-Report Questionnaire. He has presented his research at national and international conferences, with key contributions in robotic-assisted total joint arthroplasty, surgical burnout in Hispanic populations, and cross-cultural adaptations of orthopaedic assessment tools. Additionally, he has authored case reports, including a rare presentation of bilateral tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in an adolescent athlete. He has also participated in competitive research internships, including a program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he studied healthcare disparities. His research background extends to molecular and regenerative biology, with undergraduate work on intestinal regeneration in echinoderms published in peer-reviewed journals. Passionate about advancing musculoskeletal research, he strives to contribute to evidence-based orthopaedic care through both clinical practice and academic inquiry.