Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Portuguese EQ Health and Well-Being Short Form (EQ-HWB-S)

OBJECTIVES: To examine the psychometric properties. of the new instrument EQ-HWB-S

METHODS: "The Dara Project" is a longitudinal study assessing health and social programs for economically and educationally disadvantaged families. Understanding these psychometric properties is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving outcomes in vulnerable populations. Using baseline data from "The Dara Project," this study evaluates the psychometric properties of the EQ-HWB-S. Face-to-face interviews using an interviewer-administered version of the EQ-HWB-S were conducted. Additional data from EQ-5D 3L, 5L, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) were collected to provide comparative measures. Descriptive statistics analyzed response distributions, identifying floor/ceiling effects that could impact instrument sensitivity. Exploratory factor analysis elucidated underlying constructs of the EQ-HWB-S in relation to established well-being measures. Convergent validity was assessed through correlations with similar measures, ensuring alignment in measuring related constructs. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using concordance correlation coefficient to establish consistency over time.

RESULTS: Among participants (n=99), the mean EQ-HWB-S index score was 0.707 (SD=0.27), with slight skewness indicating minimal deviation from normality. Analysis revealed notable floor/ceiling effects, particularly in dimensions such as mobility and activities. Factor analysis demonstrated that EQ-HWB-S captures a broad spectrum of well-being aspects, emphasizing physical well-being akin to EQ-5D. Convergent validity was supported by moderate significant correlations (0.33 to 0.45) with other well-being measures. Test-retest reliability showed moderate agreement (ρc =0.504, SE = 0.102; r =0.568, p<0.001), confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The EQ-HWB-S exhibits robust psychometric properties, including minimal floor/ceiling effects, distinct factors, strong convergent validity, and moderate to good test-retest reliability. While known-groups validity requires further exploration, findings affirm the EQ-HWB instruments as reliable tools for assessing health outcomes in vulnerable populations with chronically ill children, enhancing program evaluation and intervention effectiveness.