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Factor analysis techniques for assessing sufficient unidimensionality of cancer related fatigue

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An Erratum to this article was published on 10 March 2007

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is the most common unrelieved symptom experienced by people with cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine whether cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can be summarized using a single score, that is, whether CRF is sufficiently unidimensional for measurement approaches that require or assume unidimensionality. We evaluated this question using factor analysis techniques including the theory-driven bi-factor model. Methods: Five hundred and fifty five cancer patients from the Chicago metropolitan area completed a 72-item fatigue item bank, covering a range of fatigue-related concerns including intensity, frequency and interference with physical, mental, and social activities. Dimensionality was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) techniques. Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) techniques identified from 1 to 17 factors. The bi-factor model suggested that CRF was sufficiently unidimensional. Conclusions: CRF can be considered sufficiently unidimensional for applications that require unidimensionality. One such application, item response theory (IRT), will facilitate the development of short-form and computer-adaptive testing. This may further enable practical and accurate clinical assessment of CRF.

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Correspondence to Jin-Shei Lai.

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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11136-006-9166-0

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Lai, JS., Crane, P.K. & Cella, D. Factor analysis techniques for assessing sufficient unidimensionality of cancer related fatigue. Qual Life Res 15, 1179–1190 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-006-0060-6

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