An examination of the psychometric properties of the community integration questionnaire (CIQ) in spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2015 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000182 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines how well the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) measures community integration in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Community integration refers to how well someone participates in society, considering their age, sex, and culture. The CIQ is a self-report tool that assesses home competency, social integration, and productive activity. Researchers analyzed data from a large group of adults with SCI to see if the CIQ is a reliable and valid measure for this population. The study found that the CIQ may be most useful for measuring home integration, but it needs improvements to better assess social and productive activities in people with SCI. New items reflecting higher levels of functioning and social activities could make the CIQ more effective.

Study Duration

12-month

Participants

627 at Time 1, 494 at Time 2 adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Longitudinal survey study

Key Findings

1
The factor structure of the CIQ was not stable over time, suggesting that the way the CIQ measures community integration may change over time.
2
The CIQ may be most useful for assessing home integration, as this subscale demonstrated the most stability and internal reliability.
3
The CIQ may be improved by including items that reflect higher levels of productive functioning, integration across the life span, and home- and internet-based social functioning.

Research Summary

This study examined the psychometric properties of the CIQ in a large sample of individuals with SCI. The study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the CIQ for assessing community integration in this population. The results indicated that the factor structure of the CIQ was not stable over time. However, the Home subscale showed the most stability and internal reliability, suggesting it may be the most useful part of the CIQ for assessing domestic integration. The authors suggest that the CIQ could be improved by adding items that better reflect higher levels of productive integration, integration across the lifespan, and home- and internet-based social activities to enhance its usefulness for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Assessment Tools

The CIQ can be improved by incorporating items that address higher levels of productive integration, lifespan integration, and social activities conducted at home and online.

Targeted Interventions

Rehabilitation programs can focus on enhancing home integration for individuals with SCI, as the CIQ Home subscale appears to be a reliable measure of this domain.

Considerations for SCI Population

When assessing community integration in individuals with SCI, it is important to consider factors such as age, sex, and wheelchair use, as these variables can significantly impact CIQ scores.

Study Limitations

1
The sample may not be representative of the broader population of persons with SCI.
2
The subsample that completed Time 2 data was significantly different from the Time 1 sample.
3
Other measures of participation, social integration, or quality of life were not administered.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury