Objective: This study aimed to assess the responsiveness of the Brazilian version of the Family Impact Scale (B-FIS) to describe changes in the quality of life (QoL) after treatment for traumatic dental injury (TDI).
Methods: After applying the eligibility criteria, 156 patients from 2 to 14 years old, who were attending a dental trauma center, were selected over an 18-month period. QoL was evaluated at two different appointments: A1 (after TDI) and A2 (after TDI treatment). The B-FIS scores were calculated using the additive method. The responsiveness was analyzed by standardized response means (SRMs).
Results: Mean B-FIS scores were 12.1 (7.5 SD) and 2.7 (4.4 SD), while the median scores were 12.0 and 2.0, at A1 and A2 (P < 0.01), respectively. The B-FIS responsiveness scores dropped 9.4 points after TDI treatment. The change was observed as a decrease in the impact after TDI treatment, demonstrating a positive reduction in its absolute number as well as an improvement in the family's QoL. The SRM achieved was as follows: 1.2 total scale, 1.1 parental emotions, 0.5 family conflicts, 0.9 parental/family activity, 0.1 financial burden. The B-FIS scores indicated that TDI has significant impact on the family's QoL in A1 and still has impact in A2. The change was observed as a positive decrease in the impact after TDI treatment.
Conclusions: The responsiveness of the FIS (Brazilian version) in detecting the family's change in QoL after TDI treatment was confirmed by SRM.
Keywords: child; dental trauma; family; oral health; quality of life; treatment.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.