Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Lai, Jin-Shei, PhD
• Butt, Zeeshan, PhD
• Wagner, Lynne, PhD
• Sweet, Jerry J., PhD
• Beaumont, Jennifer L., MS
• Vardy, Janette, MD
• Jacobsen, Paul B., PhD
• Shapiro, Pamela J., PhD
• Jacobs, Sheri R., MA
• Cella, David, PhD

Titel

Evaluating the Dimensionality of Perceived Cognitive Function

Ist Teil von

• Journal of pain and symptom management, 2009-06, Vol.37 (6), p.982-995

Ort / Verlag

New York, NY: Elsevier Inc

Erscheinungsjahr

2009

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA)

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Abstract Decrements in cognitive function are common in cancer patients and other clinical populations. As direct neuropsychological testing is often not feasible or affordable, there is potential utility in screening for deficits that may warrant a more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that perceived cognitive function (PCF) is independently associated with structural and functional changes on neuroimagery, and may precede more overt deficits. To appropriately measure PCF, one must understand its components and the underlying dimensional structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of PCF in people with cancer. The sample included 393 cancer patients from four clinical trials who completed a questionnaire consisting of the prioritized areas of concerns identified by patients and clinicians: self-reported mental acuity, concentration, memory, verbal fluency, and functional interference. Each area contained both negatively worded (i.e., deficit) and positively worded (i.e., capability) items. Data were analyzed by using Cronbach's alpha, item-total correlations, one-factor confirmatory factor analysis, and a bi-factor analysis model. Results indicated that perceived cognitive problem items are distinct from cognitive capability items, supporting a two-factor structure of PCF. Scoring of PCF based on these two factors should lead to improved assessment of PCF for people with cancer.