Family following brain injuries: A psychometric evaluation of a Family Quality of Life Scale in Spain [Dataset]

Abstract

[EN]Acquired brain injuries have an important impact on the whole family system. Families may need support and specific intervention addressing their needs. Currently, there is no available validated instruments that assess Family Quality of Life in this population in Spain. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine psychometric properties of the new Family Quality of Life Scale – Acquired Brain Injury (FQoLS- ABI) in this country. A total of 231 people who belonged to families of individuals with ABI took part in the study (Gender: 71% women; Age: M=55.8, SD=12.6). A pilot version with 71 items of the FQoLS-ABI was applied. For each domain, item properties, confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and Graded Response Model (GRM) of Semejima (1969) were examined. The field-test version was reduced to 35 items with adequate fit indices (CFI = .981-.996; TLI = .970-.993; RMSEA = .050-.087; SRMR = .022-.040) and internal consistency indices (Cronbach’s α = .77- .88; McDonalds’ ω = .77-.88; Guttman’s λ-2= .78-.88). According to GRM, item discrimination parameters were moderate to very high (α i = .71-3.48), as well as the five domains provided informative measurement across the wide range of FQoL levels, making the scale particularly useful for identifying families with low to moderate levels of FQoL. The FQoLS-ABI is a valid and reliable instrument. It is a useful tool for clinical and research contexts for identifying support needs of families of individuals with ABI.