ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a rating scale of the Korean Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (KPEM-CY) by applying the Rasch model. Methods: The KPEM-CY data were collected from 184 parents of children 5 to 13 years in age. The KPEM-CY rating scales (participation frequency, involvement, and environmental support/barriers at home, school, and in the community) were analyzed using the Rasch model. Results: The results of the Rasch model showed that it is appropriate to change the 7-point rating scale of home participation frequency to a 3-point rating scale and the 7-point school and community frequency rating scales to 4-point rating scales. In terms of the involvement rating scale under three settings, it was considered suitable to change from a 5-point to a 3-point rating scale. In addition, the 3-point rating scales of environmental support/barriers under three settings were deemed reasonable. However, the 4-point rating scales of the environmental support/barriers at home and under a community setting need to be changed into 3-point rating scales. Conclusion: The KPEM-CY rating scale was developed based on measurement variables using the Rasch model, and can be applied for an occupational therapy evaluation. It is necessary to analyze the participation patterns of children and the environmental support/barriers according to demographic characteristics and environmental factors.