Electronic Version of the Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS): Reliability and Validity for Families of Individuals With Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

This study tested the psychometric properties of an electronic Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS) when used with families of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions. Data gathered from 272 family caregivers using the eFQOLS were subjected to reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to test the internal consistency of the scales, as well as criterion and construct validity of the internal structure of the scale. Testing factor structures of the item-level domain models indicated that initiative and stability had low factor loadings in many domains. As a result, these items were deleted from the subscales. The subscale-level FQOL factor structure demonstrated a good fit after two adjustments. The internal consistency of the 27-item total FQOL scale was excellent (α = .93), while that of the subscales ranged from moderate to strong (α = .69 to .90). The eFQOLS had a moderate degree of construct validity, good criterion validity, and reliability when used with diverse families across the lifespan. Additional research is needed to continue refining the survey with a more heterogenous sample.

Keywords:

• Autism
• confirmatory factor analysis
• eFQOLS
• family outcomes
• Family Quality of Life Survey
• FQOLS-2006
• intellectual/developmental disabilities

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to our research team members, Ms. Janks, Mr. Bray, Ms. Hernandez, Dr. DiZazzo-Miller, Ms. Beals, and Ms. Alade, who helped with data collection and preliminary data analyses. Special thanks to each of the family members who took the time to participate in this study and helped with recruitment by informing their social networks.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data set associated with this study can be made available after reviews are completed or upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded in part by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (R1807143067) and the Martha Schnebly Scholarship Fund of the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University.

Notes on contributors

Preethy Sarah Samuel

Dr. Preethy Sarah Samuel is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy in the Department of Health Care Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Care Sciences, Wayne State University. Her areas of expertise include family quality of life and outcomes measurement individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Ms. Nia Anderson is a licensed social worker who works as a research assistant in Michigan’s Developmental Disabilities Institute in Wayne State University. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Christina N. Marsack-Topolewski is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the College of Health and Human Services Eastern Michigan University. Her research expertise includes quality of life and caregiving for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities across the life span. Dr. Sharon Milberger is the Director of Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University. Her areas of expertise include health promotion for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.