Validation of the PEG Scale in Spanish (PEG-S) Among Adults Receiving Care for Pain in US Primary Care

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the PEG scale (PEG-S, whose items assess Pain intensity and pain interference with Enjoyment of life and General activity) in a sample of Spanish-speaking adults receiving care for pain at primary care clinics in the Northwestern United States. We evaluated the PEG-S's 1) internal consistency, 2) convergent validity, and 3) discriminant validity. All participants (n = 200, mean age = 52 years [SD = 15], 76% women, mean PEG-S score = 5.7 [SD = 2.5]) identified as having Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and detailed ethnic origin was predominantly Mexican or Chicano (70%). The PEG-S's internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, .82) was good. Correlations between the PEG-S scale scores and established measures of pain intensity and interference ranged from .68 to .79, supporting the measure's convergent validity. The correlation between the PEG-S scale score and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (r = .53) was weaker than those between the PEG-S scale and measures of pain intensity and interference, supporting the measure's discriminant validity. The findings support reliability and validity of the PEG-S for assessing a composite score of pain intensity and interference among Spanish-speaking adults. PERSPECTIVE: We present evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the PEG scale in Spanish (PEG-S) in a sample of adults receiving pain care at primary care clinics in the Northwestern United States. This 3-item composite measure of pain intensity and interference can help clinicians and researchers assess pain among Spanish-speaking adults.

Keywords: Access to care; Health equity; Hispanic or Latino; Pain measurement; Psychometrics.