| Learning Objective #1: Describe the similarities and differences between cohorts of Latino and Caucasian men with HIV on indicators of QOL | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe a method to test cross-cultural construct validity |
Objective: To test the cross-cultural construct validity of the dimension of Quality of Life (QOL) in an integrated health model by comparing its factor structure across Latino and Caucasian men living with HIV. When health measures are used across ethnic groups, investigators must demonstrate cultural appropriateness of the assessment instruments prior to their implementation. Evaluating health measures in this way renders information as to how members of distinct racial and ethnic groups process information and respond to measurement items on an assessment tool.
Design: A secondary data analysis was applied to study interrelationships among the dimensions of QOL and race/ethnicity.
Sample: The cohorts, Latinos (n= 187) and Caucasians, (n=200), are from data collected as part of the AIDS Time-Oriented Health Outcome Study, a longitudinal database of persons living with HIV.
Variables Studied Together: The hypothesized indicators of QOL (cognition, vitality, mental health, disease worry) were assessed as latent variables in the cohorts. This conceptualization of QOL was derived from early work of the Medical Outcomes Study Group (1992).
Methods: The adequacy of conceptual and measurement properties across the two groups were tested within the framework of confirmatory factor analysis using Structural Equation Modeling: A series of nested models were tested for baseline/configural invariance, factor loadings invariance, and invariance of factor loadings and intercepts of the observed variables. The chi-square likelihood ratio statistic and other fit indices (CFI, RMSEA, SRMR) were used to assess model fit.
Findings: The analysis indicates that the factor structure between cohorts were equivalent. The invariance in the factor loadings will be discussed in detail.
Conclusions: The use of confirmatory factor analysis is an imperative step in the identification and development of culturally-congruent assessment tools.
Implications: Culturally-congruent assessment tools should be developed to increase the validity and appropriateness of nursing research and practice.
Back to Cultural Factors in HIV/AIDS
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003