Validation of the Obesity-related Problem Scale version 3

• Introduction: The Obesity-related Problem scale (OP) is a quality of life instrument developed to measure the impact of obesity on psychosocial functioning. Subjects are asked how bothered they are by their obesity in specific social situations. A new version of the instrument (OP V3) has been developed. Eight more items were added. Also, an avoidance scale (AV) was added to each item, measuring avoidance of social activities. Thus, the OP V3 contains both a distress and an avoidance scale. The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity of OP V3. Methods: One eighty subjects, BMI 40.7˘ 5.3 kg/m2, completed the OP V3. The construct validity of OP V3 was studied by means of exploratory factor analyses. Internal consistency reliability, floor and ceiling effects, concurrent validity and known group validation were also examined. SF-36 was used to evaluate the concurrent validity. Results: Scale internal consistency reliability was high for both the distress and avoidance scales (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95 for both). Floor and ceiling effects were small. Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the homogeneity and stability of the construct. Psychometric results were cross-validated and replicated in subgroups by gender, age and BMI. Multitrait-Multimethod analysis showed moderate associations between the OP V3 scales and the SF-36 scales. Correlations ranged from )0.32 to )0.58, P < 0.001. As expected, OP V3 scales were most highly correlated with Social functioning, Mental health and Vitality (r = )0.51 to )0.58, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Results confirm that OP V3 is a psychometrically valid measure of the impacts of obesity on psychosocial functioning.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

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