Article

The aim of this study was to determine the conceptual framework, item
pool, and psychometric properties of a new function-neutral measure of
health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL).
This is an expert panel review of
existing measures of HRQOL and development of a conceptual model, core
constructs, and item pool and a validation by experts in specific disabilities
and in cultural competence. Items were cognitively tested, pilot tested for
functional bias, field tested with a national sample of adults with various
limitations, and reliability tested via repeat administration. Final item
selection was based on analyses of factor structure, demographic bias, variance
in likelihood of endorsement, and item-total correlation. Psychometric properties
were demonstrated through differential item functioning analyses, factor
analyses, correlations, and item response theory analyses. RESULTS: The results
supported a four-domain conceptual model of HRQOL (physical health, mental
health, social health, and life satisfaction and beliefs) for a 42-item HRQOL
measure with an ancillary 15-item environment scale. The measure has strong
internal consistency (alpha = 0.88-0.97), known-groups validity, and test-retest
reliability (r = 0.83-0.91).
Tests of convergent and divergent validity confirmed
the ability of the Function-Neutral Health-Related Quality of Life to measure
health while being relatively free of content assessing function. CONCLUSIONS: A
conceptually grounded four-domain, function-neutral measure of HRQOL that is
appropriate for use with persons with and without various functional limitations was developed.

Langue : ANGLAIS