PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Short-form adaptive measure of financial toxicity from the Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) study: Derivation using modern psychometric techniques.

  • Cai Xu,
  • Grace L Smith,
  • Ying-Shiuan Chen,
  • Cristina M Checka,
  • Sharon H Giordano,
  • Kelsey Kaiser,
  • Lisa M Lowenstein,
  • Hilary Ma,
  • Tito R Mendoza,
  • Susan K Peterson,
  • Ya-Chen T Shih,
  • Sanjay Shete,
  • Chad Tang,
  • Robert J Volk,
  • Chris Sidey-Gibbons

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272804
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 8
p. e0272804

Abstract

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ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate advanced psychometric properties of the 15-item Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) measure of financial toxicity for cancer patients.MethodsWe surveyed 515 cancer patients in the greater Houston metropolitan area using ENRICh from March 2019 to March 2020. We conducted a series of factor analyses alongside parametric and non-parametric item response theory (IRT) assessments using Mokken analysis and the graded response model (GRM). We utilized parameters derived from the GRM to run a simulated computerized adaptive test (CAT) assessment.ResultsAmong participants, mean age was 58.49 years and 278 (54%) were female. The initial round factor analysis results suggested a one-factor scale structure. Negligible levels of differential item functioning (DIF) were evident between eight items. Three items were removed due to local interdependence (Q3>+0.4). The original 11-point numerical rating scale did not function well, and a new 3-point scoring system was implemented. The final 12-item ENRICh had acceptable fit to the GRM (pConclusionThese CAT and 4-item versions provide options for quick screening in clinical practice and low-burden assessment in research.