The Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT-PT) in Children with Cancer

Aim As pain is both subjective and multidimensional, tools that allow the assessment of other dimensions of pain besides intensity are needed. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT-PT) in Portuguese children with cancer.

Methodology Prospective methodological study with 150 Portuguese children with cancer aged 8-17 years-old. Data collection occurred both in outpatients and inpatients. Hospitalized children reported their pain during a maximum of 4 times. Children completed the Portuguese version of the APPT according to their pain at the moment or their last pain episode. At the same time, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to report pain intensity.

Results Two hundred and eleven self-reports of pain were obtained. Multiple correspondence analysis showed a factorial 4 factor structure with acceptable internal consistency. Correlation between the three components of the APPT was positive and significant, albeit weak. Criterion validity with VAS was strong, positive and significant.

Conclusion The Portuguese version of the APPT has acceptable psychometric properties and its use is supported in Portuguese cancer children aged 8-17 years old.