title: Latent mean structure analysis: a technique to compare group differences in a second-order quality of life model.
abstract: The challenge in using conceptual models to measure multidimensional outcome concepts has been the inability to statistically compare group differences. An illustration of latent mean structure analysis using a second-order factor model representing quality of life is presented. Tests for the structure of the second-order factor model representing quality of life, and for its invariance across the 2 groups were based on the analysis of latent mean structures. Group means on the first-order factors could be compared and there were significant differences. Nursing researchers are often interested in studying theoretical constructs that cannot be measured directly. This analysis demonstrated a process by which means of a quality of life conceptual model could be compared between groups.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-2602, USA. karen@asu.edu
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Fang Fang
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life