[Spanish version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). A useful instrument in investigation of sleep disturbances in childhood. Reliability analysis]

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep questionnaires are useful tools both for screening patients who require medical tests and for epidemiologic research. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) has two versions: a shorter one, which has been validated for sleep-related breathing disorders, and an extended version, which deals with a wider range of sleep disturbances.

Material and methods: The PSQ was translated into Spanish and its reliability was determined by means of test-retest and internal consistency methods among a random sample of 99 patients.

Results: Ninety-one percent of the questions showed good concordance, following the criteria established in the test- retest method. Internal consistency was good in parts A (nighttime and sleep behavior) and C (items for inattention and hyperactivity) of the questionnaire but was weak in part B (daytime behavior and other possible problems). Therefore, the reliability of the questionnaire can be considered to be adequate except for the internal consistency of part B.

Conclusions: The Spanish version of the PSQ is a suitable tool both for screening patients who require medical tests and for epidemiological research.