Evaluation of cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity of two vision-related quality of life questionnaires: the LVQOL and VCM1

Qual Life Res. 2006 Mar;15(2):233-48. doi: 10.1007/s11136-005-1524-9.

Abstract

The Low Vision Quality of Life (LVQOL) questionnaire and the Vision-related Quality of Life Core Measure (VCM1) are two of the many vision-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaires that have been developed in recent years. Although psychometric properties of the LVQOL and VCM1 compare well with other vision-related QOL questionnaires, construct and longitudinal validity have not been assessed (adequately). The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity of these questionnaires by testing specific pre-specified hypotheses about the relations of these questionnaires with other measures. The percentage of hypotheses regarding the cross-sectional construct validity that were refuted for the LVQOL was 22% for the basic aspects of vision subscale, 50% for the mobility subscale, 39% for the adjustment subscale and 17% for the reading and fine work subscale. For the VCM1 this percentage was 57%. For the longitudinal construct validity the percentage of hypotheses that were refuted ranged from 33 to 75% for the LVQOL subscales and was 50% for the VCM1. In conclusion, cross-sectional construct validity was satisfactory for the LVQOL subscales, but seemed poor for the VCM1. In addition, the longitudinal validity of these scales was poor to moderate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*