Assessing measurement equivalence of the Danish and Dutch Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire using differential item and test functioning analysis

Abstract

Aims: The Dutch Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) measures distress, depression, anxiety and somatisation, facilitating the distinction between stress-related problems and psychiatric disorder in primary and occupational health care. The aim of the study was to examine the measurement equivalence across the Danish and Dutch 4DSQ. Methods: Danish 4DSQ data were obtained from a cohort of Danish citizens on sick leave for mental-health problems. Dutch 4DSQ data were obtained from a cohort of Dutch employees on sick leave and a cohort of general practice attenders suspected of having mental-health problems. The study samples were matched on age and sex. The 4DSQ scales were assessed for essential unidimensionality using confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement equivalence of the 4DSQ across the groups was assessed using differential item and test functioning (DIF and DTF) analysis. Results: The study groups each consisted of 1363 people (63% female, Mage=42 years). The 4DSQ scales proved essentially unidimensional. DIF was detected in 20 items. In terms of Cohen’s effect size, DIF was mostly small or moderate. In terms of effect size, the mean effect on the scale score (DTF) was negligible. Nevertheless, it is recommended to adjust some of the cut-off points for two Danish 4DSQ scales to retain the meaning of these cut-off points in Dutch respondents. Conclusions: The Danish version of the 4DSQ measures the same constructs as the original Dutch questionnaire. Twenty items functioned differently in Danish respondents than in Dutch respondents, but this had only a small impact on the scale scores.

Does a specialized assessment improve vocational outcomes for people on sick leave with a suspected common mental disorder? Results from the Mental Health Assessment Study (MeHAS)

“…The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used if dementia was clinically suspected by the assessor [13]. Before the interview, participants answered the Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) that measures levels of depression, anxiety, distress and somatization [14], and the assersors had access to the results in their clinical assessment. E.g., this questionnaire includes threshold values to guide the extent of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and somatization, in order to establish what the main diagnosis should be.…”

Examining the Impact of University Teaching Quality on Learning Engagement: A Cross-sectional Study in Vietnam

“… 110  Response Theory Model analysis (IRT) to ascertain these cutoff points. Recent studies highlight the efficacy of IRT in ensuring the reliability of clinical scores for scales (e.g., Terluin et al, 2021).…”

Validiteit van de 4DKL bij mensen met een migratieachtergrond

“…We hebben per 4DKL-schaal een op IRT gebaseerde DIF-analyse gedaan waarbij vijf verschillende groepen personen met een migratieachtergrond (de 'focale' groepen) werden vergeleken met personen met een Nederlandse achtergrond (de referentiegroepen). Voor een uitgebreide technische beschrijving van de methode verwijzen we naar een open access artikel waarin de methode is toegepast op de vraag of een Deense vertaling van de 4DKL hetzelfde meet bij Deense personen als de Nederlandse 4DKL bij Nederlandse personen (14).…”