Items from patient-oriented instruments can be integrated into interval scales to operationalize categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

ObjectiveTo exemplify the construction of interval scales for specified categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by integrating items from a variety of patient-oriented instruments.Study Design and SettingPsychometric study using data from a convenience sample of 122 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients completed six different patient-oriented instruments. The contents of the instrument items were linked to the ICF. Rasch analyses for ordered-response options were used to examine whether the instrument items addressing the ICF category b130: Energy and drive functions constitute a psychometrically sound interval scale.ResultsNineteen items were linked to b130: Energy and drive functions. Sixteen of the 19 items fit the Rasch model according to the chi-square (χ²) statistic (χ²_df=32 = 38.25, P = 0.21) and the Z-fit statistic (Z_Mean = 0.451, Z_SD = 1.085 and Z_Mean = ?0.223, Z_SD = 1.132 for items and persons, respectively). The Person Separation Index r_β was 0.93.ConclusionThe ICF category interval scales to operationalize single ICF categories can be constructed. The original format of the items included in the interval scales remains unchanged. This study represents a step forward in the operationalization and future implementation of the ICF.     

Burnout among mental health professionals: A Tunisian experience

BackgroundBurnout syndrome consists in physical as well as mental exhaustion observed in professionals whose work involves continuous contact with other people. Psychiatrists and psychiatry nursing staff are considered to be vulnerable to experiencing burnout. The purposes of this study aim to investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome in practitioners, residents and nurses working in the psychiatric hospital of Tunisia. It also aims to investigate the relationship between burnout, depression, and a variety of personal variables, including age, gender, marital, parental and personal difficulties within this population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the nursing staff (n = 54), residents (n = 41) and practitioners (n = 11) in Razi hospital in Tunisia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Beck depression inventory and a general questionnaire on demographic data were used.ResultsHigh levels of burnout were detected among nurses. This was true for the emotional tiredness sub-scale (mean score: 26.18); the depersonalization subscale (mean score: 10.20) and for the alteration of personal achievements (mean score: 32.94). High scores in emotional tiredness were correlated to depression (P = 0.000; R = 0.56) and to personal difficulties (P = 0.021; R = 0.31) in this group. Residents showed high scores in personal achievements (mean score: 32.56), and practitioners did not reach the cutoff scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory.ConclusionOur results are somewhat comparable to those of studies in other countries. Burnout syndrome was highly prevalent among nurses and residents. This study corroborates former results of a relation between depression and burnout. A strong relationship was found between personal difficulties and burnout, but seemed to be more specific to the nursing sample.     

Screening for depression in an elderly population living at home. Interest of the Mini-Geriatric Depression Scale

BackgroundDepression is the most usual mental disorder in the elderly, but underdiagnosed and undertreated. Its prevalence is variable. Symptoms of depression present in the elderly can be masked and difficult to recognize. The purpose of this study was to examine prevalence and risk factors for depression in elderly living in their home.MethodsA cross-sectional study of randomly selected homes in randomly selected geographical islets was carried out Monastir City (Tunisia). Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted among the elderly aged more than 65 years living in their home. Depression symptoms were assessed using a Mini-Geriatric Depression Scale. The relationship between the risk of depression and sociodemographic and health-related variables was studied using logistic regression.ResultsOut of 598 (female 66 %, mean (SD) age 72.3 (7.4) years) elderly persons interviewed, 136 (22.7 %) were screened to have a Mini-Geriatric Depression Scale more than or equal to 1. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the following were significant (P < 0.01) independent predictors of risk of depression: female sex (OR = 2.36 [95 % CI = 1.43–3.94]), having a low level of education (OR = 4.02 [95 % CI = 1.38–11.65]), disability (OR = 3.50 [95 % CI = 1.94–6.46]), a history of stroke (OR = 2.90 [95 % CI = 1.20–7.72]) and the use of hypnotic medications (OR = 2.47 [95 % CI = 1.38–4.42]).ConclusionThis study suggests that the risk of depression is a common psychiatric disorder in elderly living in their home, and underlines the usefulness of the Mini-Geriatric Depression Scale to detect the risk of depression in the elderly. This clinical approach should be encouraged in all medical practices to improve the prognosis of depression in the elderly.     

Temporal changes in the nature of disability: U.S. Army soldiers discharged with disability, 1981-2005

BackgroundWe sought to (1) document and describe the relative proportion of disabilities by major type over the study period, (2) describe the population at risk for different types of disability, and (3) document and describe the type of compensation (an indicator of severity) awarded for different types of disability and any temporal changes in these associations.MethodsTime-series, logistic regression analyses, and direct standardization of rates were used to study 108,119 active-duty Army soldiers discharged with permanent disability between 1981 and 2005.ResultsOf all disability, 91% is captured within the top five most prevalent types of disability: musculoskeletal (72%, n = 77,418), neurological (6%, n = 6,896), mental health (5%, n = 5,075), cardiovascular system (4%, n = 4,429), and respiratory (4%, n = 4,202). Musculoskeletal disability rates are increasing rapidly (+2.5% per year); neurological and cardiovascular disability rates are decreasing (−1.3% and −10.0% annually, respectively), and respiratory and mental health disability rates did not change significantly. Demographic risk factors vary by disability type. At greatest risk for musculoskeletal disability were female soldiers, soldiers who were between the ages of 21 and 35 years, white, in lower- to mid-level enlisted ranks with relatively short service tenure, and soldiers without a college education. Compensation awards also varied by disability type: Overall, 77% (n = 83,320) received separation with severance pay, 15% (n = 16,107) received a permanent disability retirement, and 8% (n = 8,692) received separation without benefits. Separation with severance pay was the largest and fastest growing disability disposition for all disabilities and for musculoskeletal disability specifically.ConclusionsDemographic risk factors vary by type of disability and by compensation award. Musculoskeletal disability rates are rapidly increasing as is separation with severance pay—particularly among white, young, lower ranking female soldiers.     

Associations of objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time with depression: NHANES (2005-2006)

BackgroundStudies provide conflicting evidence for the protective effects of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity on depression. Recent evidence suggests that sedentary behaviors may also be associated with depression.PurposeTo examine the associations of accelerometer-derived moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and sedentary time with depression among a population-based sample.MethodsCross-sectional study using 2,862 adults from the 2005–2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. ActiGraph accelerometers were used to derive both moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and sedentary time.ResultsDepression occurred in 6.8% of the sample. For moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, compared with those in quartile 1 (least active), significantly lower odds of depression were observed for those participants in quartiles 2 (OR = 0.55, 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.89), 3 (OR = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.93), and 4 (most active) (OR = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.70) (p for trend p < 0.01). In overweight/obese participants only, those in quartile 4 (most sedentary) had significantly higher odds for depression than those in quartile 1 (least sedentary) [quartile 3 vs 1 (OR = 1.94, 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.68) and 4 vs 1 (OR = 3.09, 95% CI, 1.25 to 7.68)].ConclusionThe current study identified lower odds of depression were associated with increasing moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and decreasing sedentary time, at least within overweight/obese adults.     

Personal and occupational factors associated with low-back pain in a general working population in France

BackgroundLow-back pain is a major public health concern because of its socioeconomic burden, especially for chronic forms. The purpose of this study was to analyse the associations between low-back pain and occupational and personal factors, with a special focus on interactions between age and occupational exposures.MethodsThe study population comprised a sample of 3958 and 4526 working women and men aged 30 to 59 derived from a national health survey (2002–2003 EDS). Low-back pain was assessed using the French version of the Nordic questionnaire. Weight, height and smoking status were obtained through interview at home. Occupational exposures were self-assessed. The associations between low-back pain for more than 30 days in the previous year and occupational and personal factors were assessed using logistic models. An interaction between age and each occupational exposure was studied.ResultsIn the multivariate models, age was the only personal factor significantly associated with low-back pain for both genders. The other personal factors studied were significantly associated with low-back pain for women only. Handling heavy loads and awkward postures at work were strongly associated with low-back pain for both genders (respectively OR = 1.80 [1.46–2.23] and OR = 1.65 [1.34–2.03] for men, and OR = 1.65 [1.32–2.06] and OR = 1.28 [1.04–1.59] for women). A high level of psychological demands at work and a low level of decision latitude were also associated with low-back pain for both genders (respectively OR = 1.22 [1.03–1.46] and OR = 1.32 [1.11–1.57] for men, and OR = 1.31 [1.10–1.56] and OR = 1.27 [1.06–1.51] for women). Only the interaction between age and awkward postures for men was borderline significant.ConclusionThis study showed strong associations between occupational exposures and persistent/recurrent low-back pain in a general working population in France. Targeting these exposures in prevention programs could be useful.     

How to weight chronic diseases in multimorbidity indices? Development of a new method on the basis of individual data from five population-based studies

ObjectiveIn multimorbidity indices, chronic conditions are often weighted according to their severity or their impact on different outcomes. These weights are mostly developed on the basis of only one study population by using very specific study participants, such as hospital patients. To overcome the limited validity of the indices, mean weights across five population-based studies were calculated according to the impact of diseases on self-reported health status.Study Design and SettingIndividual data was provided from the National Health Interview and Examination Survey (n = 1,010), Dortmund Health Study (n = 281), Memory and Morbidity in Augsburg Elderly Study (n = 385), Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe Study (n = 1,278), and Study of Health in Pomerania Study (n = 962). By using logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for reporting a fair or poor health status resulting from one of 10 different chronic conditions compared with a reference group without the specific disease, controlling for age and sex. If the results were homogenous across studies (I² < 40%), significant pooled ORs were considered valid weights for a multimorbidity index.ResultsMyocardial infarction has the highest impact on self-reported health status across studies with a pooled OR of 3.9, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (pooled OR: 3.1). A medium impact was observed for arthrosis, asthma, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.ConclusionThis method provided valid weights for seven chronic conditions.     

Athletic identity, affect, and peer relations in youth athletes with physical disabilities

BackgroundTheory-based investigations of the psychosocial aspects of youth participation in disability sport are underresearched, suggesting a need for more scholarly inquiry in this area. We sought to examine athletic identity, affect, and peer relations of youth athletes with physical disabilities and selected relationships among these variables.MethodsParticipants (N = 36) completed the Private-Public Athletic Identity Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Peer Relations Scale.ResultsParticipants reported stronger private athletic identity individual item scores (mean ≈ 4.0) compared with a public (mean = 2.4) athletic identity and expressed much positive (mean = 4.4) affect and low negative affect (mean = 1.7). They also expressed strong peer relations (mean = 5.0). A significant relationship (r = 0.34, p < .05) between positive affect and peer relations existed.ConclusionsFriendships in and outside of disability sport may contribute to quality of life by promoting positive affective states such as feelings of joy, satisfaction, inspiration, excitement, and enthusiasm. In general, our results supported the potentially positive role that adapted sport can have on the well-being of youth with physical disabilities.     

Impact of socioeconomic status on stage at diagnosis of breast cancer

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of social inequalities on stage at diagnosis and long-term outcome of breast cancer patients attending the Institut Curie in Paris (France).MethodsThe study population included 14,610 breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated in the Institut Curie between 1981 and 2001. The socioeconomic status was determined from district of residence, median income for town of residence corrected by the consumption unit and body mass index. Logistic regression models adjusted on socioeconomic factors were used to evaluate clinical and pathologic features at diagnosis. Overall survival and distant metastasis were analysed with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression models.ResultsPatients living in lower income districts were more likely to be diagnosed with breast tumors size greater than 20 mm (P = 0.01). Residents of high-income urban areas (> 15,770 €) exhibited a significant overall survival and distant metastasis advantage (respectively HR = 0.93 [0.86–0.99]; P = 0.02 and HR = 0.91 [0.85–0.98]; P = 0.01). Breast cancer screening with mammography was independent of district of residence (P = 0.61) or income (P = 0.14). After adjusting for age at diagnosis and period, the risk of having breast cancer with unfavorable prognostic factors such as tumor size greater than 20 mm decreased with 1000 € increase in district income (OR = 0.986 [0.98–0.99]; P < 0.001). Similarly, the risk of cancer death decreased for patients residing in districts with median income greater than 15,770 € (HR = 0.92 [0.86–0.98]; P = 0.01).ConclusionDespite the limitations of the study (aggregate data used to assess socioeconomic status, non representative cohort of French women), we observed that poorer breast cancer prognosis with advanced disease diagnosis and increased risk of breast cancer mortality was related to low socioeconomic status.     

An assessment of the effectiveness of growth monitoring and promotion practices in the Lusaka district of Zambia

ObjectiveWe evaluated the effectiveness of the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) program in Zambia.MethodsA 3-mo prospective study of growth outcomes was undertaken at randomly selected health facilities and community posts within the Lusaka district. Children <2 y old (n = 698) were purposively sampled from three health facilities (n = 459) and four community posts (n = 77) where health workers had undergone training in GMP and three health facilities where staff had not received training (n = 162). Qualitative data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of GMP were collected from health facility managers (n = 6), health workers (n = 35), and mothers whose children attended all follow-up visits (n = 27).ResultsAnthropometric status of children in all groups deteriorated, with children at community posts having the worst outcomes (change in weight-for-age Z-score ?0.8 ± 0.7), followed by trained (?0.5 ± 0.6) and untrained (–0.3 ± 0.47; P < 0.05) health facilities. A similar trend was seen for weight for length. The overall dropout rate was 74.1%. Weight-for-age Z-scores were higher at 1- and 2-mo follow-up visits for children who did not complete the study at trained health facilities and community posts compared with those who remained in the study. Mothers/caregivers identified GMP as important in attending the under-five clinic, associated their child's weight with overall health status, and expressed a willingness to comply with health workers' advice. However, health care providers were poorly motivated, inadequately supervised, and demonstrated poor practices.ConclusionsThe GMP program in Lusaka is functioning suboptimally, even in facilities with trained staff.     

Correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among preschoolers during unstructured outdoor play periods

ObjectiveQuantify moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and its correlates in preschool children during outdoor unstructured play periods using direct observation.MethodsCross-sectional data consisting of 204 observation periods collected from 51 four- and five-year-old children using the Observation System for Recording Physical Activity in Children — Preschool (OSRAC-P) at a preschool in southern California, autumn and spring 2009–2010. Gender and BMI classification and OSRAC-P environmental codes were related to observed MVPA in multiple logistic regression models.ResultsLess than 21% of intervals were spent in MVPA overall. Boys and normal weight children engaged in higher intensity levels than their respective counterparts. More MVPA was associated with normal weight (OR = 2.49–3.25, R² = 3%), location (grass, playground, looping cycle path; OR = 3.21–4.90, R² = 4–12%), play context (ball/objects, wheel, open space; OR = 2.78–8.51, R² = 9%), and group composition (solitary, one-on-one; OR = 1.34–2.08, R² = 1%).ConclusionOpen spaces located in playgrounds and grass fields, and activity-genic portable equipment, manipulative objects, and riding vehicles are some design and equipment features that appear to foster MVPA. Lowering play space density and engaging children through teacher prompts and teacher-arranged activities may further increase MVPA on playgrounds.     

The HIV epidemic among industrial male miners in Guinea: prevalence, associated factors and trends from 2001 to 2007

BackgroundTo estimate HIV prevalence, associated factors and trends from 2001 to 2007 among male miners in Guinea.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty-six male miners in 2001 and 579 in 2007 were tested for HIV and interviewed about their lifestyles and sexual practices. Investigations were conducted in the five mining companies operating in the country. A standard questionnaire was used for collecting data and SAS Windows 9.2 version (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) for statistical analysis.ResultsMedian age was 45 years in 2001 and 39 years in 2007 (P = 0.001). HIV prevalence was 4.5% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 2.1–7.0) in 2001 and 6.4% (95% CI: 4.4–8.4) in 2007. In multivariate analysis, HIV prevalence was associated with history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.21; P = 0.03), and with paying for sex (PR = 6.01; P = 0.04), whereas it was significantly higher in divorced, separated or widowed men. HIV prevalence increased but not significantly between 2001 and 2007, whereas casual sex (P = 0.03) and counseling activities against HIV (P < 0.0007) decreased.ConclusionHIV prevalence is high in this population and, although not statistically significant, the increase observed between 2001 and 2007 is worrying in a context where the population of miners became younger over time. Prevention of HIV/AIDS has to be reinforced among miners in Guinea.     

Screen time, physical activity and mental health among urban adolescents in China

ObjectiveTo test the association between screen time (ST), physical activity (PA) and self-reported psychological problems among urban adolescents aged 11 to 16 years.MethodsIn 2010, total 5003 boys and girls were analyzed from 4 junior high schools in Bengbu city of China. The Depression Self-rating Scale for Children, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders and School Life Satisfaction Rating Questionnaire were administered to obtain information on current mental health. Self-reported ST, PA and dietary intake were also assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the effects of ST and PA on psychological problems.ResultsApproximately 26.1% of adolescents were exposed to ST for more than 2 h/day. High ST was a risk factor for depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–1.76), anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.18–1.57) and school life dissatisfaction (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.79–2.38). Sufficient vigorous PA (VPA) was a protective factor for depressive symptoms (OR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.67–0.91) and school life dissatisfaction (OR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.62–0.85). The combination of high ST and insufficient VPA was associated with the highest prevalence of various psychological problems.ConclusionsHigh ST and insufficient VPA interact to increase depressive, anxiety symptoms and school life dissatisfaction among Chinese adolescents.     

An evaluation of patient-reported outcomes found computerized adaptive testing was efficient in assessing stress perception

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and evaluate a first computerized adaptive test (CAT) for the measurement of stress perception (Stress-CAT), in terms of the two dimensions: exposure to stress and stress reaction.Study Design and SettingItem response theory modeling was performed using a two-parameter model (Generalized Partial Credit Model). The evaluation of the Stress-CAT comprised a simulation study and real clinical application. A total of 1,092 psychosomatic patients (N1) were studied. Two hundred simulees (N2) were generated for a simulated response data set. Then the Stress-CAT was given to n = 116 inpatients, (N3) together with established stress questionnaires as validity criteria.ResultsThe final banks included n = 38 stress exposure items and n = 31 stress reaction items. In the first simulation study, CAT scores could be estimated with a high measurement precision (SE < 0.32; ρ > 0.90) using 7.0 ± 2.3 (M ± SD) stress reaction items and 11.6 ± 1.7 stress exposure items. The second simulation study reanalyzed real patients data (N1) and showed an average use of items of 5.6 ± 2.1 for the dimension stress reaction and 10.0 ± 4.9 for the dimension stress exposure. Convergent validity showed significantly high correlations.ConclusionsThe Stress-CAT is short and precise, potentially lowering the response burden of patients in clinical decision making.     

Hearing, mobility, and pain predict mortality: a longitudinal population-based study

ObjectiveMeasures of health-related quality of life (HRQL), including the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) are predictive of mortality. HUI3 includes eight attributes, vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, cognition, emotion, and pain and discomfort, with five or six levels per attribute that vary from no to severe disability. This study examined associations between individual HUI3 attributes and mortality.Study Design and SettingBaseline data and 12 years of follow-up data from a closed longitudinal cohort study, the 1994/95 Canadian National Population Health Survey, consisting of 12,375 women and men aged 18 and older. A priori hypotheses were that ambulation, cognition, emotion, and pain would predict mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied controlling for standard determinants of health and risk factors.ResultsSingle-attribute utility scores for ambulation (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.10; 0.04–0.22), hearing (HR = 0.18; 0.06–0.57), and pain (HR = 0.53; 0.29–0.96) were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality; ambulation and hearing were predictive for the 60+ cohort.ConclusionFew studies have identified hearing or pain as risk factors for mortality. This study is innovative because it identifies specific components of HRQL that predict mortality. Further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms through which deficits in hearing and pain affect mortality risks.     

Literacy affected ability to adequately discriminate among categories in multipoint Likert Scales

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of inability to read on a five-point Likert scale, using the WHOQOL-BREF response scale. It is hypothesized that inability to read is related to loss of discriminant power among the five-category response scale.Study Design and SettingIn a cross-sectional design, nonreaders (n = 141) and subjects educated at a graduate level (n ? 907) were assessed. Statistical analyses combined classic and modern psychometric approaches (Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis).ResultsThere is a remarkable difference in the psychometric performance of items across the two subgroups. Fit indexes proved to be closer to the ideal for the graduate group, but not for the nonreader group. Reducing the number of response categories improved the model exclusively for the nonreader sample. Nonreaders do not interpret the scale as a true five-category scale, but exhibit a response pattern indicative that only three categories are in fact considered.ConclusionThese results confirm the hypothesis that a multiple-category response scale is not suitable for nonreaders. They suggest that a simpler response scale should be adopted to achieve a more reliable and satisfactory psychometric performance in this population. This effect seems to be stronger when more abstract and subjective constructs are involved.     

Specific instructions for estimating unclearly reported blinding status in randomized trials were reliable and valid

ObjectiveTo test the reliability and validity of specific instructions to classify blinding, when unclearly reported in randomized trials, as “probably done” or “probably not done.”Study Design and SettingWe assessed blinding of patients, health care providers, data collectors, outcome adjudicators, and data analysts in 233 randomized trials in duplicate and independently using detailed instructions. The response options were “definitely yes,” “probably yes,” “probably no,” and “definitely no.” We contacted authors for data verification (46% response). For each of the five questions, we assessed reliability by calculating the agreement between the two reviewers and validity by calculating the agreement between reviewers’ consensus and verified data.ResultsThe percentage with unclear blinding status varied between 48.5% (patients) and 84.1% (data analysts). Reliability was moderate for blinding of outcome adjudicators (κ = 0.52) and data analysts (κ = 0.42) and substantial for blinding of patients (κ = 0.71), providers (κ = 0.68), and data collectors (κ = 0.65). The raw agreement between the consensus record and the author-verified record varied from 84.1% (blinding of data analysts) to 100% (blinding of health care providers).ConclusionWith the possible exception of blinding of data analysts, use of “probably yes” and “probably no” instead of “unclear” may enhance the assessment of blinding in trials.     

The Oort structural equation modeling approach detected a response shift after a COPD self-management program not detected by the Schmitt technique

ObjectiveIf individuals experience a response shift, scores on measures before and after a self-management intervention may not be comparable. This study evaluated whether persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a response shift after participating in a self-management program. The second objective was to compare the Oort and Schmitt structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches.MethodsSecondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial comparing a home- and hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program were used to assess response shift on a physical and mental health–measurement model measured using the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) over a 1-year period.ResultsThe Oort approach showed significant changes between the no response shift model and models removing invariance constraints for the residual of the CRQ dyspnea (χ²_SBdiff = 7, df = 1) (uniform recalibration) and intercepts of the SGRQ activity (χ²_SBdiff = 14, df = 1) and impact (χ²_SBdiff = 10, df = 1) subscales (nonuniform recalibration). Change in factor means showed changes in the physical health factor, which was slightly lower in unadjusted (0.32) as compared with the response shift–adjusted model (0.40). The Schmitt procedure was not supportive of any response shift effect and showed a marginal change in random error over time.ConclusionsThis study showed that COPD patients experienced a response shift after participating in a self-management program, which resulted in an underestimation of change in physical health. These results suggest that the Oort procedure is more sensitive in detecting a response shift, and that a measurement of response shift is needed before results can be interpreted. Future comparisons with other methods and a control group are needed.