Structure of health-related quality of life among people with and without functional limitations.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the factor structure of nine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) survey items among people with and without disabilities or functional limitations (FL) and determine whether factor loadings were similar for the two groups.


METHODS
Data were from US states and territories in the 2001 and 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Confirmatory factor analyses assessed fit of the data to a previously found factor structure.


RESULTS
A two-factor structure was confirmed, conceptually representing physical and mental health. Although this structure fit data for both people with and without FL, factor loadings were significantly different for the two groups. In all but one instance, factor loadings were higher for people with FL than for people without FL.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that people with and without FL conceptualize physical and mental HRQOL similarly. However, the nine items analyzed appear to be a better reflection of the latent constructs of physical and mental HRQOL in the population of people with FL than those without FL.
Horner-Johnson
Willi
W
Oregon Institute on Disability and Development, RRTC: Health and Wellness, Oregon Health & Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. hornerjo@ohsu.edu
Suzuki
Rie
R
Krahn
Gloria L
GL
Andresen
Elena M
EM
Drum
Charles E
CE
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D014481:United States
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