Perceptions of self-image and physical appearance: conversations with typically developing youth and youth with idiopathic scoliosis.

Purpose: To report how youths, both with and without idiopathic scoliosis (IS), respond to questions about their self-image and perceptions of body shape. An additional purpose is to describe themes that emerged as important to youths with IS to better understand scoliosis from their perspective.

Methods: Descriptive qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized.

Cognitive testing of the spinal appearance questionnaire with typically developing youth and youth with idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) underwent initial psychometric studies, which suggested good reliability and discriminative ability. Although the SAQ is used as a self report of appearance, our center was concerned about its use with youth owing to complex words and vague questions. We conducted this cross-sectional study to evaluate the readability, comprehension, and interpretation of items on the SAQ.