OBJECTIVE: The Whiteley Index (WI) is a widely used instrument for measuring hypochondriacal worries and beliefs. Several studies explored the structural validity of the WI obtaining contrary results concerning the number of factors as well as the item composition. The main aim of this study is to compare factor solutions from previous studies to draw conclusions about the most valid scale model of the WI for administration in primary care. METHODS: Weighted least squares (WLS) confirmatory factor analyses of the WI were conducted. The sample in study consisted of 1800 patients from primary care practices. Seven different models were compared, including single- and three-factor conceptualisations. RESULTS: A seven-item, single-factor model best described the data, while three-factor models were clearly inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Results support a one-dimensional conceptualisation of the WI and suggest a certain subscale of the WI, the WI-7, to constitute the most psychometrically sound scale for use as a screening instrument for hypochondriasis in primary care. In addition to psychometric considerations, the brevity and simplicity of the WI-7 also make it attractive as a screening tool in the context of primary care. A cutoff score of 2/3, calculated on the basis of general practitioners' diagnoses, yielded the best balance of sensitivity and specificity in the present study.
OBJECTIVE: The Whiteley Index (WI) is a widely used instrument for measuring hypochondriacal worries and beliefs. Several studies explored the structural validity of the WI obtaining contrary results concerning the number of factors as well as the item composition. The main aim of this study is to compare factor solutions from previous studies to draw conclusions about the most valid scale model of the WI for administration in primary care. METHODS: Weighted least squares (WLS) confirmatory factor analyses of the WI were conducted. The sample in study consisted of 1800 patients from primary care practices. Seven different models were compared, including single- and three-factor conceptualisations. RESULTS: A seven-item, single-factor model best described the data, while three-factor models were clearly inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Results support a one-dimensional conceptualisation of the WI and suggest a certain subscale of the WI, the WI-7, to constitute the most psychometrically sound scale for use as a screening instrument for hypochondriasis in primary care. In addition to psychometric considerations, the brevity and simplicity of the WI-7 also make it attractive as a screening tool in the context of primary care. A cutoff score of 2/3, calculated on the basis of general practitioners' diagnoses, yielded the best balance of sensitivity and specificity in the present study.
Authors: Erik Hedman; Mats Lekander; Brjánn Ljótsson; Nils Lindefors; Christian Rück; Gerhard Andersson; Erik Andersson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-04-07 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Christian Brettschneider; Hans-Helmut König; Wolfgang Herzog; Claudia Kaufmann; Rainer Schaefert; Alexander Konnopka Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2013-01-10 Impact factor: 3.186