Validation of a Chinese version of the Frenchay Activities Index in patients with traumatic limb injury.
OBJECTIVE
The Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) is a frequently used measure that assesses instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). However, the measurement properties of the FAI are largely unknown for patients with traumatic limb injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the measurement properties of a Chinese version of the FAI, including score distribution, internal consistency, construct validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness in patients with traumatic limb injuries.


METHODS
We performed a secondary data analysis, primarily using non-parametric item response theory, on a data set. The FAI and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered via telephone interview to a cohort of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Totals of 342 patients' data (at 3 months after injury), 1,010 patients' data (6 months), and 987 patients' data (12 months) were available for analysis.


RESULTS
After the deletion of 5 items (i.e., travel outings, gardening, household/car maintenance, reading books, and gainful work), the 10-item revised FAI (R-FAI) formed a unidimensional construct. The R-FAI exhibited a unidimensional construct at each of the 3 time points. The R-FAI had sufficient score distribution, internal consistency, predictive validity, and responsiveness in patients with limb injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the conclusion that the R-FAI has satisfactory measurement properties. The R-FAI is useful for assessing IADL in patients with limb injuries.
Jen-Suh
JS
Chern
Mei-Hsiang
MH
Chen
Ya-Chen
YC
Lee
Sheng-Shiung
SS
Chen
Li-Fong
LF
Lin
Wen-Hsuan
WH
Hou
Ching-Lin
CL
Hsieh
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013624:Taiwan