Preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis Research Articles

A pilot study of the behavioral addictions knowledge survey: Ensuring students’ knowledge about process/behavioral addictions

AbstractFuture counselors are likely to work with clients with process/behavioral addictions (PBA). The behavioral addiction knowledge survey (BAKS) was designed to determine counseling students’ knowledge of PBAs. This article presents the instrument development procedures and results of a preliminary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a Rasch analysis of the BAKS. The sample size included 77 counseling students. The EFA suggested a three‐factor, 18‐item solution, with satisfactory internal consistency within each factor. Rasch analysis results also yielded excellent infit and outfit statistics. Detailed psychometric properties of the BAKS are provided. Implications for counselor educators, supervisors, and future researchers are included.

A Preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis of the BDSM Counselor Competency Scale.

BDSM practitioners represent a large sexual minority group often overlooked, misunderstood, and unnecessarily pathologized by mental health clinicians. Although developing cultural competence for diverse and marginalized populations is widely understood to be a core component of delivering efficacious therapeutic services that can counteract these stigmatizing mental healthcare experiences, no measures currently exist that assess clinicians' self-reported competence to work with BDSM practitioners. Previous measurement work has been done to establish self-report competency scales for clinicians working with other sexual and gender minority groups, but no such scales exist for working with BDSM practitioners. In the current study, we adapted a version of the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS) to measure clinicians' self-reported competence to work with BDSM practitioners and did a preliminary exploratory factor analysis of the new scale (n = 124). After an initial 24-item administration, principal axis factoring of our final 17-item solution revealed two latent factors (attitudes and skills/knowledge) consistent with the 2013 SOCCS and the theoretical constructs of cultural competency. The BDSM Counselor Competency Scale (BDSM-CCS) can help clinicians, practices, agencies, and training programs track self-reported cultural competence with the BDSM population. Future research directions for scale development and clinical and training applications are discussed.

A confirmatory factor analysis of the novice nurse practitioner role transition scale.

As interest in supporting new nurse practitioners' (NPs) transition to practice increases, those interested in measuring the concept will need an instrument with evidence of reliability and validity. The Novice NP Role Transition (NNPRT) Scale is the first instrument to measure the concept. The preliminary exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor structure: organizational alignment, mentorship, sense of purpose, perceived competence and self-confidence, and compensation. Using a cross-sectional design and data from 210 novice NPs, the purpose of this study was to confirm the NNPRT Scale's internal factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The sample was primarily female (97.5%), White (75.9%), and certified in primary care (53.5%). The CFA confirmed the five-factor structure, and model fit was improved by moving and omitting items (χ2 [619] = 1277.799, p < 0.001; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.071 [0.066-0.077]). The final NNPRT Scale includes 37-items, and internal consistency reliability was calculated at 0.95. Convergent validity evidence was supported by a positive, significant correlation with receiving a formal orientation in the first NP position; a negative, significant correlation with turnover intention; and a lack of a relationship with years of prior registered nurse experience. The NNPRT Scale is an instrument with sound evidence of reliability and validity. The NNPRT Scale will be useful for researchers, administrators, and clinicians looking to explore factors that affect NNPRT, as well as by clinicians and administrators implementing programs to support novice NPs' transition to practice.

Market participation among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: determining the dimensionality and influence of psychological contracts

PurposeSmallholder farmers in Tanzania were investigated in this paper to determine the dimensions and influence of psychological contracts on smallholder farmers' decisions to participate in the market.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through structured questionnaires, of which a cross-sectional design was conducted in central Tanzania, the Dodoma region in which 467 smallholder farmers were surveyed. First, a preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted by involving psychological contracts and market participation items derived from previous studies. This was followed by the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to verify the items obtained in the EFA. The regression analysis was then performed to test the causal effects of psychological contracts on market participation among smallholder farmers.FindingsThe path analysis revealed that transactional, relational, and ideological contracts have a positive and statistically significant impact on the participation of smallholder farmers in the market. Therefore, smallholder farmers have own set of expectations for participating in the marketplace. As a result, smallholder farmers' relationships with market participation decisions can be strengthened.Research limitations/implicationsThis study covered only smallholder farmers. However, future studies can include large-scale farmers, because psychological contracts and market participation difficulties also apply to them. This may increase the generalizability of the findings.Originality/valuePast studies have not extensively covered the psychological contracts in smallholder farming, especially in market participation. Based on prior empirical and theoretical research from other disciplines, the findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the psychological contract framework and the significance of multiple psychological obligations between smallholder farmers and market management.

Development and validation of the Remote Working Benefits & Disadvantages scale

The changes that are constantly occurring in the labour sector have led organisations and companies to move towards digital transformation. This process was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted to a massive recourse to the practice of remote working, which in this study is understood as the term for the way of performing work outside the usual workplace and with the support of ICT. Currently, there are no flexible scales in the literature that allow measuring the benefits and disadvantages of remote working with a single instrument. Thus, the distinction between the positive and negative consequences of working remotely, substantiated by a solid literature, provides a framework for a systematical understanding of the issue. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate a scale on remote working benefits and disadvantages (RW-B&D scale). For this end, a preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with 304 participants, a tailored EFA with a sample of 301 workers and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with 677 workers were conducted. Participants were all Italian employees who worked remotely during the period of the COVID-19 health emergency. Data were collected between October 2020 and April 2021. The psychometric robustness of the model was assessed through bootstrap validation (5000 resamples), fit indices testing and measurement of factorial invariance. The statistical analyses demonstrated the bifactorial nature of the scale, supporting the research hypothesis. The model showed good fit indices, bootstrap validation reported statistically significant saturations, good reliability indices, and convergent and discriminant validity. Measurement invariance was tested for gender and organisational sector. The results suggested that the novel scale facilitates the quantitative measurement of the benefits and disadvantages associated with remote working in empirical terms. For this reason, it could be a streamlined and psychometrically valid instrument to identify the potential difficulties arising from remote working and, at the same time, the positive aspects that can be implemented to improve organisational well-being.

The development and validation of the \u2018Good Life in the Community Scale\u2019 (GLiCS): a validation study with women migrants living in high income countries

BackgroundTo date, few assessment instruments have been developed to quantitatively measure the mental health status of migrant populations specifically. This paper describes the development and preliminary assessment of the ‘Good Life in the Community Scale’ (GLiCS). GLiCS is a wellbeing measure for migrant women in high-income settings that was coproduced with experts by experience across two phases.MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods approach and was composed of two phases. Phase I: 88 initial items generated using qualitative data collected in a previous study were reduced to 42 through consultation with expert advisory panels, based on whether each item was considered understandable and relevant Phase II: these 42 items were piloted with a sample of migrant women (N = 109). A preliminary exploratory factor analysis was conducted using Oblique rotation. Internal consistency was measured using McDonald’s ω. Convergent validity was tested by correlating the GLiCS with the Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire Mental Health (OxCAP-MH), WHO-5 wellbeing index and Objective Social Outcomes Index (SIX). Incremental validity was tested using hierarchical regression analysis to ascertain the effect on the WHO-5 wellbeing index of: age, migration status, SIX, OxCAP-MH and GLiCS. Known groups validity, the ability a measure has to discriminate between groups likely to differ on the variables of interest, was tested between the different migrant categories using a simple between subjects ANOVA.ResultsExploratory factor analysis confirmed a 17-item (three-factor: (i) access to resources, (ii) belonging and contributing, (iii) independence) scale with high internal consistency (McDonald’s ω = 0.91). Convergent and incremental validity were also evidenced.ConclusionThe GLiCS has demonstrable good internal consistency and construct validity, and it presents a promising wellbeing measure for better understanding the experience of migrant women.

Self-Efficacy Beliefs of University Students: Examining Factor Validity and Measurement Invariance of the New Academic Self-Efficacy Scale.

Academic self-efficacy beliefs influence students’ academic and career choices, as well as motivational factors and learning strategies promoting effective academic success. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the academic self-efficacy of university students in comparison to students at other levels. Furthermore, extant measures present several limitations. The first aim of this study was to develop a reliable and valid scale assessing university students’ self-efficacy beliefs in managing academic tasks. The second aim was to investigate differences in academic self-efficacy due to gender, years of enrollment, and student status. The study involved 831 students (age M = 21.09 years; SD = 1.34 years; 66.3% women) enrolled in undergraduate programs. Indicators of academic experiences and performance (i.e., number of exams passed and average exam rating) were collected. A new scale measuring students’ academic self-efficacy beliefs was administered. Results from a preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis were consistently supported by findings from a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Multigroup CFA supported the presence of measurement invariance. Analyses revealed that the new scale has eight factors: “Planning Academic Activities,” “Learning Strategies,” “Information Retrieval,” “Working in Groups,” “Management of Relationships with Teachers,” “Managing Lessons,” “Stress Management,” and “Thesis Work.” Self-efficacy dimensions showed significant relations with academic experiences and students’ performance indicators, as well as differences due to gender, years of enrollment, and student status. Findings are discussed in terms of practical implications for the implementation of intervention programs aimed at fostering self-efficacy beliefs and academic success.

Empathy Levels in Albanian Health Professional Students: An Explorative Analysis Using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy

The study aims were to define the psychometric properties of the Albanian Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Health Professional Students’ version, compare empathy levels among Albanian Health Professional students, and explore any relationship among students’ characteristics and their empathy levels. To achieve these aims, a comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A preliminary exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the scale, while group comparisons of empathy scores were examined using t-test and ANOVA F-test. A total of 1,240 students were enrolled in the study. Psychometric properties of the scale were confirmed. Midwifery, physiotherapy, and female students showed higher levels of empathy than other groups. Similarly, third-year students showed higher empathy than first- and second-year students. Monitoring empathy levels is fundamental to the adoption of useful educational strategies by faculties to improve empathy skills in Health Professional students and guarantee better care of patients, especially those in need of psychological support.

A Study on Scale Development and Feasibility of Masteristic Achievement

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize ‘masteristic achievement’ and to develop a scale to apply it to the workplace and verify its validity. First of all, the components and preliminary items were set up through prior research and then modified and supplemented by conducting two Delphi surveys on 24 experts. Then, a preliminary survey (219 people) and exploratory factor analysis were conducted for office workers with more than five years of experience, the main survey (526 people) was conducted to analyze the feasibility and reliability of masterity achievement, and the feasibility of the composition through the collection of opinions of expert group was met, ensuring the validity of the scale of masterity achievement. In addition, the structural equation model was formed through the verification factor analysis, and the statistical reliability was confirmed by the high conformity of the three-factor structure model. Finally, 19 questions of a total of three sub-factors (9 questions for ease of work, 5 questions for work performance, and 5 questions for pride in work) were selected as criteria for the masteristic achievement with theoretical implications, practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research. This study is the first attempt to measure masteristic achievement and will be an important foundation for studying the results of future work and learning phenomena in workplace.

Psychometric Testing of the Human Connection Scale for People Experiencing Homelessness

Researchers examined psychometric properties of the adapted Human Connection Scale (HCS) with persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). Participants (N = 103) completed the Human Connection Scale for People Experiencing Homelessness (HCS-PEH) after receiving a foot care intervention. A preliminary exploratory factor analysis demonstrated the emergence of three distinct factors (trust, caring, and respect) explaining 68.1% of total variance. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical construct underlying the HCH-PEH and internal consistency reliability was established. Future research should focus on testing human connection in comparison with diverse health outcomes such as quality of life and treatment adherence to chronic conditions.

Development and Validation of the Strategy Inventory for Electronic Dictionary Use (S.I.E.D.U.)

Abstract The present paper reports results regarding the development and validation of the S.I.E.D.U., an electronic instrument for assessing users’ skills in electronic dictionary searches. The S.I.Ε.D.U. is a self-report questionnaire with 32 Likert-type items and its content development was based on a review of relevant literature, expert review and pilot testing. The scale’s construct validity is assessed by means of a preliminary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results suggest a correlated four-factor structure: 1) familiarity with different types of electronic dictionaries and the conditions of their use; 2) strategies for lemmatization and acquaintance with dictionary conventions; 3) navigation skills; and 4) look-up strategies in new electronic environments. Internal consistency reliability of the four subscales is high and test-retest reliability is excellent. Also, the ability of the instrument to discriminate between experts and non-experts in electronic dictionary use is demonstrated. Results are discussed and implications are provided in the context of electronic lexicography.

Psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory in nomophobic subjects: insights from preliminary confirmatory factor, exploratory factor, and clustering analyses in a sample of healthy Italian volunteers.

BackgroundThe Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), developed by Derogatis in 1975, represents an important standardized screening instrument that enables one to quantitatively assess psychological distress and psychiatric disorders. The BSI is a 53-item self-report scale, measuring nine dimensions that can be summed up to reflect three global indices, including the General Severity Index (GSI). In the era of new information and communication technologies, nomophobia (“no mobile phobia”) is an emerging disorder, characterized by the fear of being out of mobile phone contact. Nothing is known, however, about the factor structure and reliability of the BSI in a population of nomophobic subjects. This study aimed at addressing this gap in knowledge.MethodsA sample of 403 subjects aged 27.91±8.63 years (160 males, 39.7% of the entire sample, and 243 females, 60.3%), recruited via snowball sampling, volunteered to take part in the study. The Italian versions of the Nomophobia questionnaire and the BSI were administered. Exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and clustering analysis were carried out together with correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsFor each BSI subscale, scores were significantly higher than the norms. The nine subscales exhibited acceptable-to-good Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, varying from 0.733 for psychoticism to 0.875 for depression. Overall, the reliability of the entire instrument proved to be excellent (alpha coefficient=0.972). Furthermore, all BSI subscales as well as BSI synthetic indexes correlated with nomophobia in a significant way. Stratifying the population according to the severity of nomophobia (mild, 206 individuals, 51.1% of the sample; moderate, 167 subjects, 41.4%; and severe, 30 individuals, 7.4%), the GSI score could distinguish (P<0.001) between mild and moderate (0.99±0.71 vs 1.32±0.81) and between mild and severe (0.99±0.71 vs 1.54±0.79) nomophobia, although not between moderate and severe nomophobia (P>0.05). Similar patterns could be found for the other subscales of the BSI. Finally, looking at the fit indexes, the second-order 9-factor model best fit the data compared with the Derogatis 1-factor model.ConclusionThe findings of our study show that the BSI is a reliable and valid instrument with acceptable psychometric properties, and can be administered to populations of nomophobic subjects.

Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Advance Care Planning Engagement Survey for Surrogate Decision Makers

ContextAlthough measures that assess patient engagement in the advance care planning (ACP) process exist, there are no validated tools to assess surrogate decision makers' (SDMs') role in ACP. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to adapt and begin to validate a patient-oriented questionnaire for use with SDMs of patients with chronic illness. MethodsQuestions from the 55-item patient-oriented ACP engagement survey were adapted for SDMs and assessed for face validity. The resultant 47-item questionnaire was administered to 65 SDMs of patients with chronic illness. Responses were assessed and items were flagged for removal based on item redundancy, nonresponses, and ceiling effects. A preliminary exploratory factor analysis was performed, internal consistency was assessed, and domains were constructed based on findings. ResultsThe 47-item questionnaire was administered to 65 participants (mean age 51.8; 81% female; 96% Caucasian). Seventeen items were removed owing to redundancy (r > 0.80), and 13 items lacking face validity were removed. In a preliminary exploratory factor analysis of the resultant 17-item questionnaire, a three-factor solution was deemed most statistically and conceptually sound. Items were organized into domains: 1) serving as an SDM (seven items); 2) contemplation (four items); 3) readiness (six items). Internal consistency for each domain was high (Cronbach alpha 0.90–0.91). ConclusionThe 17-item ACP engagement survey for SDMs (ACP-17-SDM) is a conceptually sound and reliable questionnaire adaptation of the original ACP engagement survey. This questionnaire may be used by researchers in parallel with the patient-oriented ACP engagement survey to more fully understand the impact of ACP interventions on SDMs. Larger studies are needed to more closely examine construct validity.

Rasch analysis of the UK Functional Assessment Measure in a sample of patients with traumatic brain injury from the UK national clinical database.

To determine whether the UK Functional Assessment Measure (UK FIM+FAM) fits the Rasch model in patients with complex disability following traumatic brain injury. Psychometric evaluation including preliminary exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses followed by Rasch analysis. A multicentre UK national cohort of 1,956 patients admitted for specialist rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury. The suitability of the Partial Credit Model was confirmed by the likelihood-ratio test (χ2 (df86) =7,325.0, p < 0.001). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported 3 factors (Motor, Communication, Psychosocial). Rasch analysis of the full scale incorporating the 3 factors as super-items resulted in an acceptable overall model fit (χ2 (df24)=36.72, p = 0.05) and strict uni-dimensionality when tested on a sub-sample of n = 320. These results were replicated in a full sample (n = 1,956) showing uni-dimensionality and good reliability with Person Separation Index = 0.81, but item trait interaction was significant due to the large sample size. No significant differential item functioning was observed for any personal factors. Neither uniform re-scoring of items nor exclusion of participants with extreme scores improved the model fit. The UK FIM+FAM scale satisfies the Rasch model reasonably in traumatic brain injury. A conversion table was produced, but its usefulness in clinical practice requires further exploration and clinical translation.

The cross-cultural expression of internet gaming distress in North America, Europe, and China

We compare the forms online gaming-related distress takes cross-culturally, and examine how much such distress resembles the World Health Organization's (WHO) “Gaming disorder,” understood to be an “addiction.” Our preliminary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in North America (n = 2025), Europe (n = 1198), and China (n = 841) revealed a constant four-factor structure across the three regions, with classic “addiction” symptoms always clustering together on the first and most important factor, though with some variability in regional factors' exact item composition. In the present study, we use second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to further examine this factor structure and the cultural similarities and differences. Specifically, we focus on confirming the regional structure and composition of an ethnographically developed 21-item gaming distress scale, which contains a wider symptoms pool than typical gaming disorder scales, and thus allows us to better separate generalized gaming distress's “addictive” from other culturally-influenced “problem” experiences and behaviors in each regional case. We use propensity score matching to separate the impact on gaming-related distress of regional culture from demographic variables (North America/Europe: n = 1043 pairs; North America/China: n = 535 pairs). Although our results support current WHO formulations of gaming-related distress as an addictive disorder, we show how cultural forces can shape how “addictive” and “problem” gaming are experienced and thus psychiatrically presented in different parts of the world. In particular, generalized gaming distress's addictive and problematic dimensions seem to be shaped by culture-specific expressions of achievement motivations, social connection and disconnection, and unique psychosomatic experiences.

Validation of two versions of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale among Norwegian adolescents

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the original 14-item version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) and the short 7-item version (SWEMWBS) to validate these scales for use among Norwegian adolescents. Cross-sectional data were collected by distributing questionnaires among students in five upper secondary schools in Norway with a net sample of n = 1814. Exploratory- and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and a reliability analysis were conducted and possible floor and ceiling effects were examined to evaluate the scales. A correlation analysis was conducted to examine criterion-related validity. The preliminary exploratory factor analysis gave strong indications of a one-dimensional solution for both versions of the scale. Furthermore, both scales showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .93 for the WEMWBS and α = .88 for the SWEMWBS). The SWEMWBS showed the best fit in the CFA and a strong correlation with the WEMWBS ( r = .94). The score distributions of both scales indicated the possibility of a small ceiling effect. Both scales showed high correlations with related constructs in the expected direction. In our study, based on the CFA results and the high correlation between the original scale and the short version, the SWEMWBS was found to be most suitable for use among Norwegian adolescents.

Measurement Invariance of the Tilburg Work Identity Scale for Commitment and Reconsideration of Commitment (TWIS-CRC) in Romania, England, the Netherlands, and South Africa

Work plays a central role in people’s lives and their self-concepts. It was our objective in this article to a) explore the factor structure of a newly-developed measure of work identity, the Tilburg Work Identity Scale of Commitment and Reconsideration of Commitment (TWIS-CRC) in a Romanian employee sample, and b) examine whether the measure is invariant at configural, metric, and scalar levels across Romanian, English, Dutch, and South African (Black and White) employees. The theoretically assumed two-factor structure was supported through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the first study, with one item (item 10) loading moderately on both subscales. We found similar results in the preliminary EFA, confirming the removal of item 10. The Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that the measure was fully invariant at the configural level and partially invariant at the metric level across the employee samples. However, no scalar invariance was found. This indicates that the TWIS-CRC as a construct is similar across groups, as are the factor loadings, whereas item intercepts are not. Across employee samples, it is therefore possible to establish how work identity as measured by the TWIS-CRC correlates with other measures such as work engagement and burnout, while we are unable to compare means across groups due to a lack of scalar invariance. Work Identity as measured by the TWIS-CRC is useful for researchers and organizational practitioners who aim to understand the importance of work identity for work motivation and engagement.

Preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis of The Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) in Adults With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury

Preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis of The Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) in Adults With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury

Psychometric Properties of Podsakoff’s Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Scale in the Asian Context

The Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale developed by Podsakoff, et al.(1990) has mostly been found to have better psychometric properties in the western countries mainly North America and there is a dearth of studies that portray the meaningfulness &amp; relevance of using this measure in the Asian cultural contexts. The present study was thus aimed at checking the psychometric properties of this scale on a sample of permanent professionals working at the three main human service organizations operating in Srinagar, J&amp;K (University of Kashmir, S.K.I.M.S Hospital &amp; J&amp;K Bank). After preliminary analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was carried out and three dimensional factor structure of organizational citizenship behavior was revealed. The reliability and validity of the brief version of the scale was found to be satisfactory, thereby providing support for the relevance of using this scale in the Asian context.

Preliminary International Validation of the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale (QUALMS)

Background: Disease-specific measures of quality of life (QOL) can allow for improved assessment of disease-specific symptomatology and psychosocial factors. We recently reported on the development of the QUALMS, a 33-item QOL assessment tool for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We now report preliminary internal consistency and validity results from an international prospective study.Methods: From December of 2013 to July of 2014,an international cohort of MDS patients completed the QUALMS as well as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Anemia Scale (FACT-An). Eligible patients were 18 or older, and had to have biopsy-proven MDS; those who had undergone stem cell transplantation were excluded. Baseline medical record review was performed at the time of enrollment to document key clinical and laboratory data, including bone marrow pathology and treatments; a second QUALMS administration and medical record review is planned for each patient to assess responsiveness. Participants were recruited from MDS centers across the United States, Canada and Italy. Individual QUALMS items were scored on a 5-point scale ranging from “Never” to “Always”. Overall mean score was calculated by transforming the raw mean to a 100 point scale, with higher scores indicating better MDS-related QOL. Baseline QUALMS scores were compared to clinical factors such as hemoglobin (Hg) and transfusion dependence as well as with scores on the other QOL scales. Preliminary exploratory factor analysis was also undertaken to identify candidate subscales.Results: As of this analysis, 201 patients had enrolled. The mean age was 71.7 years; there were 55% men, and the IPSS distribution was 44% LO, 43% INT-1, 10% INT-2, 1% HI and 2% unclassifiable. The majority of patients (53%) were receiving an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, hypomethylating agent or lenalidomide, and 29% of the overall cohort was transfusion-dependent. The geographical distribution was as follows: 20% from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA); 9% from Columbia University (New York, NY); 15% from the Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL); 25% from the Odette Cancer Center (Toronto, Canada); and 31% from two GIMEMA hospitals (Rome and Sardegna, Italy). Scores on the QUALMS ranged from 19 to 78; the mean and median scores were 49.6 and 50.0 respectively. The measure had excellent internal consistency (α=.91), and was moderately correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30: correlations (r’s) with the global health status scale, functional scales (i.e., physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social) as well as fatigue, nausea and pain scales ranged from 0.33 to 0.63 (all p’s <.001). Moderate correlations were also found with the FACT Anemia Score and the FACT Trial Outcomes Index (r’s 0.70 and 0.73; p’s <.001). Patients with Hg less than 10 had consistently lower QUALMS scores than those with higher Hg (46.9 v 51.7, p =.008), as did those who were transfusion-dependent (44.3 v 52.1; p <.001). QUALMS scores significantly differed between those with lower (LO/INT-1) versus higher (INT-2/HI) IPSS scores (50.0 v 44.3, p <.05). Finally, preliminary factor analysis revealed several potentially useful QUALMS subscales, including physical burden, emotional burden, disease information and uncertainty, and disease-associated positives.Conclusions: Our analyses suggest that the QUALMS is a valid measure of disease-specific QOL in MDS. As would be expected, it is moderately (but not highly) related to measures of cancer- and anemia-related QOL, but contributes unique, disease-specific QOL information valued by patients. The QUALMS is a new tool that promises to help clinicians and researchers to better evaluate MDS-specific QOL in the modern treatment era. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.