Initial evidence for reliable and valid use of scores on the 8-item Econ-QOL short form to measure economic quality of life in caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.07.015 · Published: March 1, 2023

Rehabilitation Social Support Brain Injury

Simple Explanation

The study addresses the financial challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with TBI, noting that these challenges can significantly impact their quality of life. The Econ-QOL measure was developed to assess the impact of economic factors on HRQOL and community participation, particularly for people with disabilities. This analysis aims to establish psychometric evidence for the reliable and valid use of Econ-QOL scores in caregivers of persons with TBI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

376 caregivers of civilians (n=213) and SMVs (n=163) with TBI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey study

Key Findings

1
Internal consistency reliability of the Econ-QOL short form scores were excellent (all Cronbach’s alphas ≥0.92).
2
There was evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, with the Econ-QOL scores having the strongest relationships with self-reported income.
3
Individuals with scores that were “below or possibly below” the poverty line reported worse economic QOL relative to those individuals that were definitely above the poverty line.

Research Summary

This report establishes the clinical utility of scores on the Econ-QOL Short Form in caregivers of persons with TBI and provides evidence that it is valid and appropriate to use such scores not only in a variety of different disability populations but also in caregivers. The analyses herein provide evidence to support the psychometric reliability and validity of scores on the Econ-QOL PRO short form measure. These findings provide strong evidence for the psychometric reliability and clinical utility of scores on the Econ-QOL in caregivers of civilians and SMVs with TBI, allowing researchers to screen for economic distress with confidence in caregivers of persons with TBI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Screening

The Econ-QOL can be used to screen caregivers of persons with TBI for economic distress.

Intervention Targeting

The Econ-QOL can help identify individuals who may benefit from intervention or financial assistance.

Financial Disparities Research

The Econ-QOL can be used to explore potential financial disparities among caregivers of TBI survivors.

Study Limitations

1
Male caregivers were underrepresented in this sample.
2
All caregivers in the present study had to be providing care for individuals who were at least 1-year post injury.
3
Further examination is warranted for evidence of the valid use of this measure with racially and ethnically diverse groups.

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