ASSESSING CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASE - FURTHER VALIDATION OF THE PEDIATRIC PAIN QUESTIONNAIRE

Evaluated the validity, stability, and clinical utility of the Pediatr ic Pain Questionnaire (PPQ), a comprehensive, multidimensional instrum ent for assessing childhood pain. Previous studies demonstrated adequa te psychometric properties of the PPP using small samples. Results of the current study, using a large sample (N = 100) of children and adol escents with chronic pain associated with rheumatic disease, were cons istent with initial validation studies. High correlations were found a mong visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity ratings obtained from pa rents, physicians, and patients. Significant correlations also were fo und between pain ratings and measures of disease activity and function al status. VAS ratings evidenced moderate stability over a 6-month per iod in this sample of youth with relatively stable disease activity. O ther components of the PPQ provide comprehensive information that is c linically useful for treatment planning and evaluation.