# Validation of the Korean version of the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS-K): a non-invasive self-report tool for epidemiological use

## TL;DR

This study validates a Korean version of a self-report tool to assess pubertal development in children for use in large-scale research.

## Contribution

The study provides a culturally adapted and validated Korean version of the Pubertal Development Scale for non-invasive epidemiological use.

## Key findings

- The PDS-K showed acceptable internal consistency and good test–retest reliability in boys and girls.
- Sex-specific patterns of pubertal progression were observed in the study sample.
- The PDS-K is a practical tool for non-invasive assessment of pubertal development in Korea.

## 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.