title: Evaluating the dimensionality of perceived cognitive function.
abstract: Decrements in cognitive function are common in cancer patients and other clinical populations. As direct neuropsychological testing is often not feasible or affordable, there is potential utility in screening for deficits that may warrant a more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that perceived cognitive function (PCF) is independently associated with structural and functional changes on neuroimagery, and may precede more overt deficits. To appropriately measure PCF, one must understand its components and the underlying dimensional structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of PCF in people with cancer. The sample included 393 cancer patients from four clinical trials who completed a questionnaire consisting of the prioritized areas of concerns identified by patients and clinicians: self-reported mental acuity, concentration, memory, verbal fluency, and functional interference. Each area contained both negatively worded (i.e., deficit) and positively worded (i.e., capability) items. Data were analyzed by using Cronbach's alpha, item-total correlations, one-factor confirmatory factor analysis, and a bi-factor analysis model. Results indicated that perceived cognitive problem items are distinct from cognitive capability items, supporting a two-factor structure of PCF. Scoring of PCF based on these two factors should lead to improved assessment of PCF for people with cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Rubloff Bldg., 9th floor, 750N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611, USA. js-lai@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Jin-Shei
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Zeeshan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.forename: Lynne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Jerry J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sweet
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Beaumont
authors.forename: Janette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vardy
authors.forename: Paul B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Sheri R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors