title: Validation of a subjective outcome evaluation tool for participants in a positive youth development program in Hong Kong.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Utilizing primary-factor and hierarchical confirmatory factor analyses, this study examined the factor structure of a subjective outcome evaluation tool for the program participants for the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
  
  
  METHODS
  A subjective outcome evaluation scale was used to assess the views of program participants on the program, implementer, and program effectiveness of the Project P.A.T.H.S. A total of 28,431 Secondary 2 students responded to this measure after they had completed the program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consistent with the conceptual model, findings based on confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the primary factor model and the higher-order factor model containing 3 primary factors. By randomly splitting the total sample into 2 subsamples, support for different forms of factorial invariance was found. There was also support for the internal consistency of the total scale and the 3 subscales.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the factorial validity of the subjective outcome evaluation instrument designed for program participants in the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China; Centre for Innovative Programmes for Adolescents and Families, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China; Department of Social Work, East China Normal University, Shanghai, P.R. China; Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau, P.R. China. Electronic address: daniel.shek@polyu.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Daniel T L
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Shek
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Cecilia M S
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006293:Health Promotion; D006694:Holistic Health; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Confirmatory factor analysis; Factorial invariance; Subjective outcome evaluation