Comparing patient-reported outcomes of the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire in children with clubfoot from two different geographic and cultural environments: a cohort study in India and Canada

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the results of the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire (OxAFQ) in children with clubfoot in Canada and India to assess its ability to predict outcomes and capture patient experiences in different cultural contexts. Methods This is a retrospective study of children with clubfoot in India and Canada who completed the OxAFQ. Statistical analyses were implemented on registry-collected data to test for independent predictors of poor outcomes and compare scores between countries, among children and their parents, and in Canada where relapse data was collected and the effect of a relapse on scores. Results A total of 361 children were included. The mean Indian OxAFQ scores were higher ( p < 0.001) in all domains. Pirani score, tenotomy, laterality, and age at presentation were found to be predictive of outcomes between the sites ( p < 0.05). OxAFQ scores decreased after relapse for children in Canada ( p < 0.05). Canadian children were found to generally have lower OxAFQ scores in all domains compared to their parents ( n = 95; Z = −3.178, −3.493, −3.353, and −3.635 for physical, school and play, emotion, and footwear, respectively; p < 0.001). Indian parents and children showed no significant differences in their scores. Conclusions A difference was observed in scores between both sites, suggesting there may be differences in how these populations assess personal health outcomes. These findings support the need for cultural validity of patient-reported outcome measures.