Dimensionality and internal structure of the Colombian version of the INICO-FEAPS quality of life scale.

Abstract

Measuring quality of life (QoL) in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) can help organisations and practitioners to implement evidence-based practices and develop person-centred planning and individualised supports. There is no reliable and valid instrument for assessing QoL in people with ID in Colombia. We investigated the internal structure of the Colombian version of the INICO-FEAPS scale and tested whether the scale identified the eight interrelated domains of the QoL conceptual framework originally described by. Data were collected from 602 adults with moderate levels of ID and respective proxies, who completed the self-report and the report by other scales, respectively. Five measurement models were tested through confirmatory factor analysis. The eight correlated dimension model showed the best fit to the data. Reliability and convergent validity of the indicators were satisfactory in both versions of the scale (self-report and proxy report). This study contributes to research on QoL measurement by providing the first empirical evidence regarding the dimensionality, internal structure and psychometric properties of the Colombian version of the INICO-FEAPS scale. Moreover, the study presents the first adaptation of a specific QoL scale for people with ID in Colombia, which may in the future be useful for implementing evidence-based practices and developing person-centred support plans.