Psychometric validation of the Serbian version of the Fear Avoidance Component Scale (FACS)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204311
• Publication Date: 2018-09-24T13:32:55Z
• Authors: Aleksandar Knezevic; Randy Neblett; Robert J. Gatchel; Milica Jeremic-Kn...; Vojislava Bugarsk...; Snezana Tomasevic...; Ksenija Boskovic; Antonio I. Cuesta...
• Keywords: Discriminant validity; Concurrent validity

Objective The Fear Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) is a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire designed to comprehensively evaluate fear avoidance (FA) beliefs and attitudes in persons with painful medical conditions. original English version has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, including concurrent predictive validity. Two factors have been identified: 1. general avoidance; 2. types of activities that are avoided. Methods FACS was first translated into Serbian, then psychometrically validated. A cohort 322 chronic musculoskeletal pain subjects completed the FACS-Serb additional FA-related measures. Their scores were compared 68 acute subjects. Results Test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.928) internal consistency for both Factors (Cronbach α 0.904 0,880 respectively) very good. An fit found confirmatory factor analysis 2-factor model FACS. Strong associations among other PRO measures catastrophizing, depressive/anxiety symptoms, perceived disability, intensity (p<0.001 all analyses). total scores, separate Factor subjective ratings significantly higher vs. cohorts Conclusions strong consistency, criterion validity (through measures), discriminant comparisons cohort). appears be potentially useful pain-related assessment tool.