Construct validity of an adult pain observation scale for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: The APOS-PIMD

A. Enninga (First author), Wendy Post, Aly Waninge, Annette Van der Putten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Objective assessment of pain-related behaviours is crucial in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. No standardised pain observation instrument that specifically focuses on this target group is currently available. A previous study identified 12 pain-related behaviours in these persons. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument based on these 12 pain-related behaviours to assess pain in these adults in daily situations. Method: Videos of 91 adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in potentially painful daily situations were scored using the 12 pain-related behaviour items. Mokken scale analysis was used to determine the construct validity of these items. Results: Analysis resulted in a 9-item scale (H =.46, Rho =.70), which appeared to be sample independent for the variables of sex, age and level of motor functioning. Conclusion: A scale containing 9 items (APOS-PIMD) with reasonable construct validity and sufficient reliability was developed, which can be used to measure pain in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in daily situations.
Translated title of the contributionConstructvaliditeit van een pijnobservatieschaal voor volwassenen met een ernstige verstandelijke en meervoudige beperking : De APOS-PIMD
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jul 2025

Keywords

  • APOS-PIMD
  • Mokken scale analysis;
  • profound intellectual and multiple disabilities;
  • pain observation scale
  • validity

Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Healthy Ageing

Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Healthy lifestyle and living environment
  • Frailty and adequate care

Publinova themes

  • Other
  • Recreation, Exercise and Sports
  • Health
  • People and Society

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