Reliability and Validity Testing of the Persian Version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 24 in a Sample of Individuals With Craniofacial Irregularity and Amputation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent advancements in the design and manufacture of prostheses for individuals with craniofacial irregularity and amputation, these individuals tend to become self-conscious about their appearance. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Persian version of the Derriford Appearance Scale24 (P-DAS24) for a sample of individuals with craniofacial irregularity and limb loss. METHODOLOGY: Reliability of the P-DAS24 was determined by computing internal consistency and test-retest reliability utilizing Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Discriminant validity was investigated with comparing the total score of the P-DAS24 between disfigured participants and those with no appearance problem. Known-groups validity was evaluated regarding the participants’ gender and their level of involvement. FINDINGS: The sample size comprised of 251 individuals with disfigurement and 101 without disfigurement who were deemed normal in appearance. The P-DAS24 showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.96). The total score of the P-DAS24 showed a statistically significant difference between individuals deemed disfigured or normal (P=0.01). The total scores P-DAS24 in individuals with different levels of involvement were significantly different (P<0.001). The scores of the DAS2, DAS18, DAS21, and DAS24 were significantly different between men and women (P<0.01, <0.01, 0.03, and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The P-DAS24 is a valid and reliable tool that may be utilized in clinical practice and researches to assess the outcomes of prosthetic reconstructions in individuals with disfigurement. Layman's Abstract In social interactions and experiences, appearance plays an important role. Disfigured subjects face many difficulties in their daily life compared to normal people or people deemed attractive. Generally, the perception of each individual regarding his/her appearance is influenced by two fundamental factors. The first factor is the feedback that one receives from others and the second factor is the person's self-perception that is affected by their mental health and quality of life. Limb amputation is one of the leading causes of disfigurement in low to middle-income countries. Despite the recent advancements in the design and manufacture of prostheses to improve their natural size, shape, and movement, these individuals tend to become self-conscious about their appearance. To evaluate the psychosocial problems of people with visible difference, a standard and valid tool is needed. One of these tools is the Derriford Appearance Scale 24 (DAS24). The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the original English version of the DAS24 to provide a Persian version. In this study a total of 251 individuals with disfigurement and 101 without disfigurement who were considered normal in appearance were included. Our results have shown that the Persian version of DAS24 is a valid and reliable tool for the clinical evaluation of the appearance-related distress, anxiety, and self-consciousness experienced by individuals with visual difference on a daily basis in Persian-speaking countries. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/41454/32196 How To Cite: Khani A, Babaee T, Khaghani A, Nakhaee M, Fatahi Z, Moss T. Reliability and validity testing of the Persian version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 24 in a sample of individuals with craniofacial irregularity and amputation. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2023; Volume 6, Issue 1, No.3. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v6i1.41454 Corresponding Author: Taher Babaee, PhDRehabilitation Research Center, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.E-Mail: babaee.t@iums.ac.irORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1487-2374