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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Schizophrenia | Research

Validation of an 8-item Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS-8) for people with schizophrenia in China

Authors: Si-jia He, Yan-wen Fang, Zi-xin Huang, Yu Yu

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The 24-item Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) is the most widely-used and well-validated tool for measuring recovery for people with mental illness. The current study aims to assess the reliability and validity of an 8-item short form of RAS (RAS-8) among a Chinese sample of people living with schizophrenia.

Methods

A sample of 400 people living with schizophrenia were recruited for scale validation. Internal consistency was tested by calculating Cronbach's α. Test–retest reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total score and weighted kappa for each item. Factor structure was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and concurrent validity was examined by investigating the correlation of the RAS-8 with patient symptoms, disability, depression, anxiety, patient functioning, quality of life and general health.

Results

The RAS-8 full scale and subscales showed good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.87 to 0.92. ICC of 0.99 and weighted kappa ranged from 0.62 to 0.88, which generally indicates good test–retest reliability. The findings supported an a priori two-factor structure, χ²/df = 2.93, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.035. Concurrent validity of the RAS-8 was further supported by its significant negative correlations with patient symptoms (r = −0.24, p < 0.01), disability (r = −0.30, p < 0.01), depression (r = −0.16, p < 0.05), and anxiety (r = −0.14, p < 0.05), and its significant positive relationships with patient functioning (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), quality of life (r = 0.39, p < 0.01) and general health (r = 0.34, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study confirmed the reliability and validity of an 8-item short-form RAS for people living with schizophrenia in Chinese communities. The validation of the RAS-8 allows for its use as an alternative for the full RAS as a rapid assessment tool in clinical and research settings. The findings are discussed for their implications for application and validation with other populations and in other countries.

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Title: Validation of an 8-item Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS-8) for people with schizophrenia in China
Authors: Si-jia He
Yan-wen Fang
Zi-xin Huang
Yu Yu
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Schizophrenia
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-021-01763-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Validation of an 8-item Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS-8) for people with schizophrenia in China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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