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Construct validity of the EORTC quality of life questionnaire information module

Abstract

Purpose  

Providing sufficient information about diagnosis and treatment is an important feature of high-quality patient care in oncology.
To measure patient satisfaction with information received, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
Quality of Life Group has recently developed a new tool, the information module (INFO25). The aim of this study was to evaluate
the scale structure of the INFO25.

Methods  

A total of n = 423 patients completed the INFO25 after finishing cancer therapy. The internal consistency of multi-item subscales was
calculated using Cronbach’s Alpha. The scale structure was evaluated using multi-trait methods and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results  

Cronbach’s Alpha of the multi-item scales ranged from 0.79 to 0.88. Only two items correlated somewhat higher with another
scale than with their own, indicating a good scale structure. Construct validity with latent variable models, including a
general information factor and four multi-item scales, resulted in the following fit indices CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08, TLI = 0.99
and WRMR = 1.03.

Conclusion  

The suggested construct of the INFO25 with a total score (general factor) in addition to the subscales is valid.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-7
  • DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0114-x
  • Authors
    • Susanne Singer, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
    • Philipp M. Engelberg, Department of Methods and Psychodiagnostics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
    • Gregor Weißflog, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
    • Susanne Kuhnt, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
    • Jochen Ernst, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany