Psychometric Performance of Generic Childhood Multi-Attribute Utility Instruments in Preterm and Low Birthweight Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Individuals born preterm (gestational age < 37 weeks) and/or at low birthweight (<2500 g) are at increased risk of health impairments from birth to adulthood. This review aimed to evaluate the psychometric performance of generic childhood-specific or childhood-compatible multi-attribute utility instruments (MAUIs) in preterm and/or low birthweight (PLB) populations. Methods: Searches covered seven databases, including studies that targeted childhood (aged < 18 years) and/or adult (≥18 years) PLB populations; provided psychometric evidence for generic childhood-specific or compatible MAUI(s) (any language version); and published in English. Eighteen psychometric properties were evaluated using a four-part criteria rating system. Data syntheses identified psychometric evidence gaps and summarised the psychometric assessment methods/results. Results: A total of 42 studies were included, generating 178 criteria rating outputs across four MAUIs: 17D, CHSCS-PS, HUI2, and HUI3. Moreover, 64.0% of outputs concerned the HUI3 MAUI, and 38.2% related to known-group validity. There was no evidence for five psychometric properties. Only 6.7% of outputs concerned reliability and proxy–child agreement. No MAUI outperformed others across all properties. The frequently applied HUI2 and HUI3 lacked content validity evidence. Conclusions: This psychometric evidence catalogue should inform the selection of MAUI(s) suited to the specific aims of applications targeting PLB populations. Further psychometric research is warranted to address the gaps in psychometric evidence.