Measuring social health in the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS): item bank development and testing.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a social health measurement framework, to test items in diverse populations and to develop item response theory (IRT) item banks.


METHODS
A literature review guided framework development of Social Function and Social Relationships sub-domains. Items were revised based on patient feedback, and Social Function items were field-tested. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), two-parameter IRT modeling and evaluation of differential item functioning (DIF).


RESULTS
The analytic sample included 956 general population respondents who answered 56 Ability to Participate and 56 Satisfaction with Participation items. EFA and CFA identified three Ability to Participate sub-domains. However, because of positive and negative wording, and content redundancy, many items did not fit the IRT model, so item banks do not yet exist. EFA, CFA and IRT identified two preliminary Satisfaction item banks. One item exhibited trivial age DIF.


CONCLUSIONS
After extensive item preparation and review, EFA-, CFA- and IRT-guided item banks help provide increased measurement precision and flexibility. Two Satisfaction short forms are available for use in research and clinical practice. This initial validation study resulted in revised item pools that are currently undergoing testing in new clinical samples and populations.
Hahn
Elizabeth A
EA
Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 N. Lake Shore Dr., Room 725, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. e-hahn@northwestern.edu
Devellis
Robert F
RF
Bode
Rita K
RK
Garcia
Sofia F
SF
Castel
Liana D
LD
Eisen
Susan V
SV
Bosworth
Hayden B
HB
Heinemann
Allen W
AW
Rothrock
Nan
N
Cella
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires