THE CHILDRENS HEADACHE ASSESSMENT SCALE (CHAS) - FACTOR STRUCTURE ANDPSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES

This study investigated the content validity, factor structure, and ps ychometric properties of the Children's Headache Assessment Scale (CHA S), a parent rating scale for identifying environmental variables asso ciated with pediatric headache. In Study 1, input from physicians and psychologists was obtained to develop a revised set of 44 items receiv ing high endorsement. In Study 2, the questionnaire was administered t o parents of 92 child headache sufferers, ages 6-16, and readministere d 2 weeks later. An exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors (Disruptive Impact, Social Consequences, Stress Antecedents, Physical Antecedents and Quiet Coping, and Prescription Medication Use) that re flect distinct environmental concomitants of childhood headache. Scale reliabilities (alpha, .64-.82) indicate acceptable internal consisten cy, and test-retest reliabilities indicate relatively stable factors a nd items. High scores on the Disruptive Impact factor were associated with more severe, lengthy, and infrequent headache occurrence, lending initial support for the validity of this factor. Overall, the finding s support the clinical and research utility of the CHAS in behavioral treatment of childhood headache.