Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Health of Nation Outcome Scales for schizophrenia patients.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The HoNOS scale was designed for the assessment of psychosocial impairment in various domains. While it is widely used in psychiatric settings, it has not been validated in Spanish for use in patients with schizophrenia. To examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HoNOS scale in a sample of schizophrenia patients. A total of 194 individuals aged 18 to 65 with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses were evaluated using the HoNOS. Illness severity and level of functioning were also assessed. The HoNOS showed moderate internal consistency, good inter-observer reliability and good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed an internal structure consisting of four factors, with item distribution differing from the theoretical dimensions proposed for the original scale. The Spanish version of the HoNOS scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing psychosocial impairment in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, further research is needed to determine its internal structure more accurately. The HoNOS scale provides researchers and clinicians with a valid measure of impairment in twelve different domains, which can facilitate and guide the treatment of schizophrenia patients.