Validation of the Charleston Pediatric Pain Pictures in School-Age Children

Administered the Charleston Pediatric Pain Pictures (CPPP) to 28 boys and 30 girls between 5 and 9 years of age in an attempt to validate this instrument with a school-age population. Children were asked to estimate subjective pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS)for each of the 17 CPPP picture cards, which depict activities associated with varying degrees of pain (no, low, moderate, and high pain). VAS scores increased with each of the CPPP pain intensity levels, and mean scores for each of the levels were significantly different. Satisfactory internal consistency was demonstrated for each level of pain intensity. Compared to preschool children, school-age children obtained significantly higher scores for the low, moderate, and high pain levels, suggesting that school-age children more finely discriminate pain intensity associated with common events. Results indicate that the CPPP is a valid index of school-age children's subjective experience of pain.