title: Initial validation of the dimensions of home measure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research has established a need to consider further aspects of the home environment in home modification provision and evaluation. The Dimensions of Home Measure (DOHM) was developed as a self-report outcome measurement tool for home modification practice to meet this need. Its development was informed by a literature review and qualitative exploration which identified six dimensions of the home environment: the physical, social, personal, temporal, occupational and societal dimensions which contribute to one's experience of home. This paper reports the initial evaluation of the validity of the DOHM.
  
  
  METHODS
  The DOHM was completed by 163 community dwelling older adults and people with disabilities. The Rasch measurement model was used to evaluate three aspects of construct validity: rating scale structure, unidimensionality and targeting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The five-point DOHM rating scale function was evaluated using Linacre's (2002) guidelines. The middle rating category did not function well, and this resulted in collapsing the rating scale from five to four points. The unidimensionality of the DOHM's subscales was supported by Rasch-based principal component analysis and item fit analysis. However, hierarchical results of item difficulties revealed significant gaps in each of the DOHM's subscales, indicating that more items will be needed to capture the full range of participant's experiences of home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DOHM was developed to provide a relevant evaluation tool for home modification practice which comprehensively measures the home environment. This study identified preliminary validity of this tool, with revision and further psychometric validation required.
authors: Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Tammy
authors: T
authors: Aplin
authors: Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.|Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (SAR), China.
authors: Chi-Wen
authors: CW
authors: Chien
authors: Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Louise
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5232-0987
authors: L
authors: Gustafsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: assessment; environmental modification; outcome evaluation; psychometrics; questionnaire