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Brief Communication
Validation of the Korean version of the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS-K): a non-invasive self-report tool for epidemiological use
Jeeeun Kim, Dahye Kim, Hyojin Pyun, Woon-Kyeong Jeong, Yuen Mi Cheon, Soo Ji Lee, Joohon Sung
Epidemiol Health. 2025;47:e2025059.   Published online October 24, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025059
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Abstract
As the average age of pubertal onset continues to decline, the need for reliable and culturally appropriate tools to assess pubertal development has become increasingly important. However, no validated, non-invasive, self-report instrument has been available for use in Korea. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the Korean version of the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS-K). The original PDS was translated using a forward–backward translation procedure and reviewed by experts to ensure cultural relevance. The PDS-K was administered to a total of 217 elementary school students (grades 4-6). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach’s α, item–total correlations, Cohen’s kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The PDS-K demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: boys=0.79; girls=0.74) and good test–retest reliability (ICCs: 0.77 for boys; 0.87 for girls). Sex-specific patterns of pubertal progression were also observed. Although further validation across broader age groups and against clinical benchmarks is warranted, the PDS-K provides a practical and culturally adapted tool for the non-invasive assessment of pubertal development and holds promise for large-scale epidemiological research.
Summary
Korean summary
사춘기 발달은 아동과 청소년의 신체적·정신적 건강에 중요한 변화를 동반하며, 조기 사춘기는 다양한 건강 문제와 연관될 수 있다. 본 연구는 한국어판 사춘기 발달 척도(PDS-K)의 신뢰도와 타당도를 검토하고, 초등학생을 대상으로 그 활용 가능성을 탐색하였다. 연구 결과, PDS-K는 자기보고식 평가 도구로서 일정 수준의 신뢰도와 성장 관련 지표와의 연관성을 보였으며, 성별에 따른 사춘기 발달 양상 차이를 반영할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 아동·청소년의 사춘기 발달을 이해하고, 조기 사춘기와 관련된 건강 문제의 선별 및 예방적 접근에 활용될 수 있는 잠재력을 시사한다.
Key Message
Despite the rising prevalence of early puberty in Korea, there is currently no culturally appropriate, non-invasive tool for assessing pubertal development in non-clinical settings. This study developed and evaluated the Korean version of the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS-K), demonstrating its reliability and feasibility. The PDS-K also effectively captured sex-specific patterns in pubertal progression. As a brief and self-administered instrument, the PDS-K is a feasible, culturally adapted tool for non-invasive pubertal assessment in Korea, with potential for large-scale use once further validated.

Epidemiol Health : Epidemiology and Health
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