Measurement Invariance and Informant Discrepancies of the KIDSCREEN-27 in Children with Mental Disorder

Study objectives were to examine measurement invariance of the KIDSCREEN-27 between children with mental disorder and their parents; compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores to identify potential domain discrepancies; and, identify mental disorders associated with informant discrepancies. Participants consisted of parents with children who were currently receiving mental health services and screened positive for mental disorder according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview ( n = 92). Measurement invariance was investigated using multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation with robust standard errors. Multiple regression was used to identify child mental disorders associated with informant discrepancies, adjusting for relevant child and parent characteristics. Partial invariance was obtained for all domains on the KIDSCREEN-27 with the exception of Physical Well-being for which full invariance was obtained. Parents reported lower KIDSCREEN-27 scores compared to children with significant differences for Psychological Well-being [d = 1.98 (1.62, 2.33)] and Social Support and Peers [d = 0.41 (0.11, 0.70)]. For children with oppositional defiant or conduct disorder who report low HRQL, parents underestimate Psychological Well-being scores (B = 1.29, p