Avoiding lights and sounds: validation of the PhotoSensitivity and PhonoSensitivity Avoidance Behavior Scales (PHOTO-SABS & PHONO-SABS) in pediatric headache

Photosensitivity and phonosensitivity are commonly associated with pediatric chronic headache. Youth may modify their environments and participation to avoid sensory stimuli, inadvertently increasing functional disability. Unfortunately, there are no established measures examining sensory-related avoidance behaviors in youth with headache. This study sought to empirically validate the PhotoSensitivity and PhonoSensitivity Avoidance Behavior Scales in 232 youth undergoing multidisciplinary headache evaluation. Exploratory factor analyses revealed two PHOTO-SABS factors and a single PHONO-SABS factor. Both measures demonstrated strong internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion-related validity. The PHOTO-SABS and PHONO-SABS appear to be psychometrically sound measures of sensory-related avoidance behavior in youth with headache.