Reliability of the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Well-Being Measure (ACHWM)

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this research was to evaluate the reliability of the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Well-Being Measure© (ACHWM).MethodsTwo cohorts of children from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory were recruited for this study. Each child completed the ACHWM independently on a computer tablet running a customized survey app. The data from the first and second cohorts were used to estimate the internal consistencies using Cronbach’s alpha. A subgroup of the second cohort completed the survey twice, within the same day. The data from this subgroup was used to evaluate the test–retest reliability using a random effects Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC).ResultsThere were 124 participants in the first cohort and 132 participants in the second cohort. The repeated measures subgroup was comprised of 29 participants from the second cohort. The internal consistency statistic (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.93 for the first and second cohorts. The test–retest reliability ICC was 0.94 (95% CI 0.86–0.97) for the ACHWM summary scores based on the repeated measures subgroup.ConclusionsThese results establish the internal consistency and the test–retest validity of the ACHWM. This important finding will enable Aboriginal communities to use this measure with confidence and promote the voices of their children in reporting their health. The ACHWM is an essential data gathering tool that enables evidence-based health care for Aboriginal communities.

A screening mechanism to recognize and support at-risk Aboriginal children

“…The ACHWM was created for and with Aboriginal children and youth, † between the ages of 8 and 18 years, to assess health from their perspectives. 12 The initial development work was conducted in collaboration with First Nations children in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. The measure has four quadrant scores, representing the four directions of the medicine wheel.…”

“…The measure has four quadrant scores, representing the four directions of the medicine wheel. The validity and reliability of the ACHWM have previously been established, [13][14][15] as has its relevance to other Aboriginal communities in Ontario. [16][17][18] The objective of this paper is to describe the ACHWM screening process and evaluate its effectiveness.…”

Health profiles of First Nations children living on-reserve in Northern Ontario: a pooled analysis of survey data

“…17 This measure has been thoroughly tested with First Nations children in Wiikwemkoong, as well as with Métis and Inuit children in urban contexts. 15 The results have demonstrated the validity of the self-reported ACHWM for children 8 to 18 years of age in comparison with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL; r = 0.52) 18 and its reliability (test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94). 19 The aim of this paper is to establish typical ACHWM health profiles for First Nations children living on-reserve, to assist in the interpretation of ACHWM scores.…”

“…Items for the ACHWM were generated using focus groups and photovoice methods with children from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and later validated across other First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations. 15 A key goal during the development process was to ensure that the ACHWM was reliable, feasible and sustainable and furthermore that the tool would be relevant to inform local health planning in Wiikwemkoong and other Aboriginal communities in Canada.…”

Relevance of the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Well-being Measure Beyond Wiikwemkoong

“…It is culturally appropriate for First Nations children and has been successfully adapted for independent completion by children (ages 8-18 years) using Android tablets. This approach to measuring Aboriginal child health is valid 12,13 , reliable 14 , and has the support of the Chiefs of Ontario (All Ontario Chiefs Conference Resolution #13/15).…”