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Validity of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form in patients with systemic sclerosis
Author(s) -
Kwakkenbos Linda,
van den Hoogen Frank H. J.,
Custers José,
Prins Judith,
Vonk Madelon C.,
van Lankveld Wim G. J. M.,
Becker Eni S.,
van den Ende Cornelia H. M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.21618
Subject(s) - cronbach's alpha , checklist , medicine , clinical psychology , construct validity , confirmatory factor analysis , physical therapy , population , ceiling effect , quality of life (healthcare) , psychometrics , psychology , structural equation modeling , pathology , statistics , alternative medicine , mathematics , environmental health , nursing , cognitive psychology
Objective To validate the Dutch translation of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although concerns about the future are often expressed by patients with SSc, there is no valid quantitative measure available to assess the extent to which patients with SSc are troubled by those concerns. Methods Measurement properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using a cross‐sectional design that included 215 patients with SSc. Patients completed the FoP‐Q‐SF as well as questionnaires on physical and psychological functioning. Psychometric properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist. Results The mean ± SD FoP‐Q‐SF score in patients with SSc was 30.05 ± 8.97. There were no indications of floor or ceiling effects. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the single‐factor structure of the questionnaire (χ 2 [52] = 96.84, P < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, chi‐square/df ratio = 1.86). Cronbach's alpha was 0.86 for the questionnaire. Most of our a priori hypotheses (11 of 12) were confirmed, supporting the construct validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion A valid measure is now available to assess fear of disease progression in patients with SSc, which is significant since fear of progression is one of the most important stressors in this patient population.