Reliability and validity of the caregiver quality of life index‐cancer (CQOLC) scale in Turkish cancer caregivers

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to translate the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer into Turkish and test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer in Turkey. Background. Cancer is a chronic illness that affects the entire family and deteriorates the quality of life of cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer is a widely used instrument to measure quality of life in cancer caregivers. Therefore, identifying and increasing quality of life benefits of cancer caregivers. Design. Methodological research design. Method. This study describes the translation process of The Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer into Turkish and testing its reliability and validity on quality of life in cancer caregivers. The questionnaire was translated using a back‐translation technique. The statistical analysis was carried out using Cronbach’s alpha to test the internal consistency of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer scale while confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization to test its construct validity. Results. The Cronbach’s alpha was found to be reliability for the total scale was 0·88 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged from 0·73–0·83. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in four factor structure: burden, distruptiveness, positive adaptation and financial concerns. Conclusion. The effects of providing care for patients with cancer on caregiver quality of life have not yet been adequately explored in Turkey. The results of this study suggest that the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the quality of life in cancer caregivers in Turkey. Relevance of clinical practice. In research and practice, valid measurement instruments are needed to assess Quality of Life in Turkish cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer scale is simple to administer and nurses by using this equipment in routine appointments will be able to better identify caregiver at risk for developing cancer related distress and worse Quality of Life.     

The Norwegian version of the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS-N). A validation and reliability study in patients suffering from psoriasis

The aim of this study was to adapt, validate, and test for reliability the Quality of Life Scale in Norwegian (QOLS-N) for patients suffering from psoriasis. Two hundred and eighty-two patients with psoriasis were included in the study. Self-reported health was measured using the SF-36. Disease severity was also measured in 95 patients using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The reliability of the QOLS-N was computed using the internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and the test-retest reliability test. Face and content validity and construct discriminant ability of the QOLS-N were assessed. The results indicated that the QOLS-N has highly satisfactory rates of test-retest reliability (r = 0.83) and internal consistency reliability (alpha 0.86). As expected, the QOLS-N had a lower correlation with physical health (r = 0.24, p < 0.000) and self-reported symptoms (r = -0.20, p < 0.001), and a higher correlation with mental health (r = 0.52, p < 0.000). The correlation with disease severity was not significant (-0.06). The results reported in the present paper are in accordance with those derived in other validation studies. The QOLS-N seems to be a reliable and valid measure of global quality of life in patients suffering from psoriasis.     

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Quality of Life Index

AIM: This paper reports a study to translate the English language version of the Quality of Life Index into Arabic and estimate its reliability and content validity. BACKGROUND: Quality of life has become an important concern in health care and social policy. It is a difficult construct to define and measure, as it is determined by cultural, ethical, personal and religious values. The generic Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index was developed to measure quality of life of healthy individuals. Specific versions of the index were developed for particular diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and end-stage kidney disease. The instruments were initially developed for English-speaking clients and were later translated into several languages and used within a variety of cultures. However, there were no Arabic versions of the tool available to measure the quality of life of general populations or of people with particular diseases. METHOD: The Quality of Life Index was translated into Arabic using two of the techniques suggested in the literature for translation - back translation and bilingual technique. The same process was followed in the translation of the original scale and various disease-specific versions of the instrument. The work took place between 1995 and 2004. FINDINGS: The translated Arabic Quality of Life Index demonstrated a high degree of accuracy of translation and estimates of content validity. Subsequent to the translation of the original scale into Arabic, 13 disease-related versions of the instrument were translated and are ready for use with clients who speak Arabic. Four of the versions have been used to collect data from clients. The results revealed high estimates of reliability for the generic, diabetes, cancer and dialysis versions. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the Quality of Life Index is highly reliable and has sufficient content validity for measuring quality of life of Arabic-speaking clients.     

Reliability and Validity of The Norwegian Version of The Nowotny Hope Scale

The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the Nowotny Hope Scale as applied to cancer patients. The questionnaire was first translated into Norwegian following internationally accepted guidelines. The scale was tested on a sample consisting of 131 newly diagnosed cancer patients. The findings supported the internal consistency of the instrument as a whole (alpha = 0.89) and of the six subscales: confidence (alpha = 0.85), relates to others (alpha = 0.75), future is possible (alpha = 0.80), spiritual beliefs (alpha = 0.94), active involvement (alpha = 0.53) and comes from within (alpha = 0.80). Stability over time was provided by a satisfactory 3–4-week test—retest correlation (r = 0.81). The validity was confirmed by the judgement of an expert and by a principal components analysis with orthogonal rotation. The result of the factor analysis was somewhat different from the original findings in an American sample. The results obtained in this study are promising and indicate that the Nowotny Hope Scale can be used to measure hope in newly diagnosed Norwegian cancer patients.     

Validation evidence for the French Canadian adaptation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory as a measure of cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is the most reported symptom among patients with cancer. Researchers in the field of psychooncology have encouraged the development of short instruments, which allow for easier completion by clinical populations while still maintaining solid psychometric properties. The current study examined the validity and reliability of the French Canadian adaptation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) among women (n = 277) and men (n = 327) undergoing therapy for breast or prostate cancer, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis of the selected 15-item MFI yielded the following four factors: general/physical, mental, reduced motivation, and reduced activity. This was supported by a confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability, as evaluated by test-retest and Cronbach alpha internal consistency reliability coefficients of the French Canadian shortened MFI, was acceptable. In addition, the four factor-based scores correlated in a theoretically meaningful manner with existing measures of mood disturbance (Profile of Mood States and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), cancer-related stressors (Inventory of Recent Life Experiences), coping with illness (Coping with Health Injuries and Problems Scale), quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire), and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), suggesting good construct, convergent, and concurrent criterion validity. Although further validation is recommended, the results for the French Canadian MFI in assessing cancer-related fatigue in both women and men undergoing cancer treatments showed good psychometric qualities.     

Paediatric health-related quality of life instrument for primary school children: cross-cultural validation

AIM: This article is a report of a study to validate the Finnish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory(TM) (PedsQL*) for children aged 8-12 years. BACKGROUND: Promoting and improving health and well-being of children are the global goals of primary-day health care. Sophisticated, internationally valid measurement tools are needed for planning, conducting and evaluating interventions to meet these challenges. The PedsQL is a promising, relatively new instrument developed in the United States to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children and adolescents. METHOD: Content validity of the Finnish version of PedsQL 4.0 was assessed in 2004 during the translation process and tested by performing cognitive interviews with children aged 8-12 years (n = 7) and their parents (n = 5). Construct validity and reliability of the Finnish version of the PedsQL 4.0 were statistically tested on a sample of school children (n = 1097) and their parents (n = 999). FINDINGS: Cognitive interviews confirmed that the concepts, questions and response alternatives of the Finnish version are equivalent to the original PedsQL 4.0. The Finnish version was easy to understand and complete. The construct validity was good. Cronbach s alpha values were excellent for the total scale score (Child-Self Report alpha = 0.91 and Parent-Proxy Report alpha = 0.88) and good for sub- and summary scales (Child-Self Report alpha = 0.73-0.89 and Parent-Proxy Report alpha = 0.69-0.86). CONCLUSION: Results support previous research on validity and reliability of the PedsQL 4.0. The Finnish version of the PedsQL 4.0 demonstrated good validity and reliability in primary school children. Future research is needed to examine, construct and predictive validity of the Finnish version of the PedsQL 4.0.     

The memorial symptom assessment scale: modified for use in understanding family caregivers' perceptions of cancer patients' symptom experiences

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) could serve as a feasible, reliable, and valid tool for use in assessing the reports of 98 family caregivers (FC) on the symptom experiences of advanced stage cancer patients. The MSAS consists of subscales that describe psychological symptom distress (PSYCH), physical symptom distress (PHYS), and global symptom distress (Global Distress Index [MSAS-GDI]). The majority of FCs was able to respond to 32 MSAS symptom items; however, the greatest difficulty in FC responding occurred on the 'sexual interest' item. The mean PSYCH score was 1.42 (SD=0.83), the mean PHYS score was 0.96 (SD=0.67), and the mean MSAS-GDI was 1.46 (SD=0.24). Internal consistency was high in the PHYS (alpha=0.84), PSYCH (alpha=0.82), and MSAS-GDI (alpha=0.84) subscales. The average item-scale correlation ranged between r=0.50 and 0.60, indicating that the items were moderately to strongly correlated with the respective total subscales. The average inter-item correlation ranged between r=0.30 and 0.45, indicating that the items were moderately correlated with each other on the respective subscales. Good to excellent intraclass correlations (ICC) with patients' ordinal ratings support the concurrent validity and utility of the PHYS and MSAS-GDI subscales in FC populations who care for cancer patients in the home setting. Depending on the symptom, a range of slight to substantial Kappa values on dichotomous PHYS and PSYCH items, and fair ICC values on the ordinal PSYCH subscale provide questionable validity in FC populations caring for cancer patients.     

The suitability of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-BREF in cancer relatives

The quality of life of cancer relatives should influence the justification, selection, and modification of nursing interventions in the cancer patient-family dyad. To justify these interventions, relevant, valid, and reliable quality of life assessments are needed. The purpose of this study was to examine the relevancy, validity, and reliability of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-BREF in a sample of 435 Norwegian cancer relatives. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form is a multidimensional, generic instrument designed for the assessment of quality of life cross-culturally. Cronbach alpha ranged from .59 in the social domain to .86 in the psychological domain. Correlational analysis confirmed the relevancy of the items and domains and lent partial support to the construct validity of the scale. Multivariate analyses showed that all domains were significant explanatory variables for overall quality of life and health satisfaction with the exception of the environmental domain. Subgroups effects were best shown by the physical domain. Factor analysis resulted in a 4-factor solution, with 24 items explaining 57% of the cumulative variance in this sample. Results of a confirmatory factor analyses showed reasonably good fit indices, although several covariates between the residuals had to be added, and the covariates between the factors were high. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-BREF has been translated into 40 languages. It is hoped that cancer nurses will continue to test the instrument in various groups of relatives so that scale validity and conceptual clarity can be improved and subgroup interactions confirmed.     

Development and Validation of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire

This paper describes the development and validation of a migraine-specific quality-of-life instrument that is capable of measuring health-related quality-of-life impairments attributed to migraine. Item selection, item reduction, and pretesting and finalization of items during the instrument development phase resulted in a total of 16 questions which were incorporated into the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Version 1:0) (©1992 Glaxo Wellcome Inc). Three meaningful dimensions were hypothesized: Role Function-Restrictive, Role Function-Preventive, and Emotional Function. In the instrument validation phase, the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire was mailed to 1109 migraine patients, providing a response rate of 45% (n=458). Initial psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire indicated that it possessed adequate reliability with Cronbach's alpha for the three dimensions ranging between 0.70 to 0.85. The Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire possessed adequate content and criterion validity. All but three items satisfied the test of construct validity. In conclusion, the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to estimate the effect of migraine and its treatment on the patient's health-related quality of life.     

Turkish version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale

Hakverdio?lu Yönt G. & Khorshid L. (2012) Turkish version of the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale. International Nursing Review 59 , 274–280 Aim: To test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS‐QOL). Background: Stroke is a leading cause of activity limitation and participation restriction that negatively affect health‐related quality of life. The assessment of SS‐QOL in stroke patients has not been validated in Turkey. Methods: Cross‐sectional and methodological research design was used. Five hundred stroke survivors who had been diagnosed with stroke at least 6 months previously were included in this cross‐sectional study. The reliability of the SS‐QOL was based on internal consistency, item correlation. Construct validity was evaluated by Exploratory Factor Analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated for the total score of the SS‐QOL to establish the internal consistency of the instrument. Construct validity was assessed by comparing patients' scores on the SS‐QOL with those obtained by other test methods: SF‐36 Health Survey and Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living. Findings: In the process of adaptation to the Turkish population, the scale was converted to 48 items. The correlation coefficient for the test‐retest scores of the SS‐QOL was calculated as 0.81. Internal consistency for the scale showed Cronbach's alpha = 0.97. As a result of applying factor analysis to the scale, eight factors were obtained, which accounted for 77.47% of the scale's total variance. Conclusion: SS‐QOL is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring self‐reported health‐related quality of life at group level among people with stroke who are diagnosed with stroke at least 6 months previously in the Turkish population.     

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale--Cancer Version 2 in patients with cancer

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale - Cancer Version 2 (MQOLS-CA2) in 72 people with cancer. The results indicated that the MQOLS-CA2 has good construct validity. Factor analysis confirmed the presence of 5 factors in the MQOLS-CA2: psychological well-being, physical well-being, nutrition, symptom distress, and interpersonal well-being. The correlation between the global scores of the MQOLS-CA2 and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey was significant (r = 0.78, P =.0001), supporting the criterion validity of the MQOLS-CA2. Results of the test-retest method showed that stability coefficients for the 5 subscales of the MQOLS-CA2 ranged from 0.56 (symptom distress) to 0.91 (general physical well-being). Cronbach alpha coefficients surpassed the 0.70 criterion for all subscales, indicating good internal consistency. The acceptability rate was excellent at 96% completed questionnaires. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the Turkish version of the MQOLS-CA2 is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in cancer research.     

Quality of life of adults with chronic illness: a psychometric study

Reliability and validity of the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) were tested in four chronic illness groups. Open-ended questions and four instruments, the QOLS, Duke-UNC Health Profile (DUHP), Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-Z), and either the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) or the Ostomy Adjustment Scale (OAS) were administered by telephone interview and mailed questionnaires to 227 adults three times over 6 weeks. Subjects generated verbal responses that substantiated the content validity of the QOLS. Stability reliability estimates for all instruments ranged from .53 to .90. Cronbach's alpha coefficients averaged .87 for the QOLS. Appropriate validity coefficients indicated both convergent and discriminant construct validity.     

Quality of life instruments for caregivers of patients with cancer: a review of their psychometric properties

The quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer is an important construct given the substantial impact of caring on the physical, psychological, social, and financial well-being of caregivers. Moreover, caring for patients with cancer also affects family functioning and places burdens on caregivers. The reliability and validity of instruments used to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer were reviewed to aid in the selection of the most appropriate measures for research and practice. (1980-2000) and (1982-2000) searches located relevant quality of life instruments using the keywords "cancer and quality of life" and "caregiver or spouse or partner." The search identified the following instruments: the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale, the Caregiver Quality of Life Index, the Quality of Life Tool, and the Quality of Life Index-Cancer Version. Quality of life instruments developed specifically to measure the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer had the best psychometric properties. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale, in particular, met or exceeded minimum psychometric criteria for reliability and validity. The development of reliable and valid caregiver quality of life measures is an important factor in developing interventions to enhance quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer.     

The Multicultural Quality of Life Index: presentation and validation

Rationale and objectives Quality of life has emerged as a crucial concept for the assessment of health and the planning of health care. Desirable features for the evaluation of quality of life include comprehensiveness, self‐ratedness, cultural sensitivity, practicality and psychometric soundness. An attempt to meet these challenges led to the development of a brief multicultural quality of life instrument and to the appraisal of its applicability, reliability and validity. Methods The development of the proposed assessment instrument was based on a wide review of the literature and the engagement of a multicultural mental health scholarly team. Its validation was conducted on samples of psychiatric patients (n = 124) and hospital professionals (n = 53) in New York City. Results A new generic culture‐informed and self‐rate instrument, the Multicultural Quality of Life Index, has been developed. Its 10 items cover key aspects of the concept, from physical well‐being to spiritual fulfilment. Concerning its applicability, mean time for completion was less than 3 minutes and 96% of raters found it easy to use. Test–retest reliability was high (r = 0.87). A Cronbach's α of 0.92 documented its internal consistency and a factor analysis revealed a strong structure. With regard to discriminant validity, a highly significant difference was found between the mean total scores of professionals (x = 8.41) and patients (x = 6.34) presumed to have different levels of quality of life. Conclusions The Multicultural Quality of Life Index is a brief and culturally informed instrument that appears to be easy to complete, reliable, internally consistent and valid.     

第2版癌症影响量表的汉化及信效度检验

目的:汉化第2版癌症影响量表(Impact of Cancer version 2,IOCv2),并在长期癌症幸存者中检验其信效度。方法:遵循Brislin翻译原则翻译IOCv2,通过专家咨询和预试验进行跨文化调试,采取便利抽样法选取320例长期癌症幸存者进行问卷调查,检验中文版量表的信效度。结果:中文版IOCv2量表有积极影响总评(健康意识、癌症意义、利他和同情、积极的自我评估)和消极影响总评(担忧、生活影响、躯体改变关注、外貌关注)分量表,涉及8个维度共37个条目。量表的平均内容效度指数为0.945,各条目的内容效度指数为0.83~1.00;探索性因子分析共提取8个公因子,累计方差贡献率为79.955%;积极影响总评量表Cronbach'sα系数为0.709,消极影响总评量表Cronbach's α系数为0.802。量表各维度的重测信度为0.723~0.957。结论:中文版IOCv2量表应用于长期癌症幸存者中信效度良好,可用于长期癌症幸存者生活质量的评估。     

The PedsQL in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales and type 1 Diabetes Module

OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is a modular instrument designed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales are child self-report and parent proxy-report scales developed as the generic core measure to be integrated with the PedsQL disease-specific modules. The PedsQL 3.0 Type 1 Diabetes Module was designed to measure diabetes-specific HRQOL. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The PedsQL Generic Core Scales and Diabetes Module were administered to 300 pediatric patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and 308 parents. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability for the PedsQL Generic Core Total Scale score (alpha = 0.88 child, 0.89 parent-report) and most Diabetes Module scales (average alpha = 0.71 child, 0.77 parent-report) was acceptable for group comparisons. The PedsQL 4.0 distinguished between healthy children and children with diabetes. The Diabetes Module demonstrated intercorrelations with dimensions of generic and diabetes-specific HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the reliability and validity of the PedsQL in diabetes. The PedsQL may be used as an outcome measure for diabetes clinical trials and research.     

Older people specific health status and quality of life: a structured review of self-assessed instruments

OBJECTIVES: To review evidence relating to the measurement properties of older people specific self-assessed, multi-dimensional measures of health status. DESIGN: Systematic literature searches to identify instruments. Pre-defined criteria relating to reliability, validity, responsiveness, precision and acceptability. RESULTS: A total of 46 articles relating to 18 instruments met the inclusion criteria. Most evidence was found for the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (OMFAQ), CARE, Functional Assessment Inventory (FAI) and Quality of Life Profile--Seniors Version (QOLPSV). Most instruments have been evaluated in single studies. Four instruments have evidence of internal consistency and test-retest reliability--LEIPAD, Philadelphia Geriatrics Centre Multilevel Assessment Inventory, Perceived Well-being Scale, Wellness Index (WI). Two instruments lack evidence of reliability--Brief Screening Questionnaire, Geriatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (GQLQ). Older people contributed to the content of the GQLQ, QOLPSV and WI. Most instruments were assessed for validity through comparisons with other instruments, global judgements of health, or clinical and socio-demographic variables. Limited evidence of responsiveness was found for five instruments--GQLQ, OMFAQ, PGCMAI, QOLPSV, Self-Evaluation of Life Scale (SELF). CONCLUSION: Although most evidence was found for the OMFAQ this was largely for the ADL domain; evidence for reliability and responsiveness is limited. Limited evidence of reliability, validity and responsiveness was found for the PGCMAI, QOLPSV and SELF. The lack of evidence for measurement properties restricts instrument recommendation. Instrument content should be assessed for relevance before application and the concurrent evaluation of specific and widely used generic instruments is recommended. Several instruments, including the BSQ and EASY-Care, were developed recently and further evidence of instrument performance is required.     

Psychometric testing of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale among patients with hip fracture

The main aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a Swedish translation of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale among 73 patients having surgery for hip fractures. Cronbach's alpha before and 7 days after surgery were.73 and.82, respectively. Principal-component analyses yielded three factors explaining 69% of the variance of the variables preoperatively and 73.6% of the variance 7 days postoperatively. Four months after discharge vital function, factor II in the NEECHAM scale, significantly predicted the total score on the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index. Items reflecting information processing, behavior, and urinary continence, factor I, also predicted functional capacity, using the Standardized Practical Equipment test, a tool measuring instrumental daily activity. The scale seems to be a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating acute confusional state among patients with hip fracture.     

Validity and reliability testing of the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version in women with fibromyalgia -- statistical analyses

One consequence of constant widespread pain is a low quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine whether the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version (QOLS-S), regarded as a generic quality-of-life instrument, is a reliable and valid instrument for use in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Women with FM (n = 113) contributed data on the QOLS-S and other standardized instrument at three points in time. Internal consistency reliability estimates ranged from 0.89 to 0.92. Convergent construct validity was indicated by moderate agreement with a global life satisfaction question. Discriminant construct validity was denoted by low correlations with the physical functioning subscale of the SF-36. In a factor analysis three factors emerged: 'personal and social well-being', 'relations with others' and 'active participation'. A few of the items have high cross-loadings, and the instrument could be improved by rewording those items to more closely reflect one specific factor. Overall, these results provide evidence that the QOLS-S has acceptable validity and reliability for use in women with FM.