Psychometric validation of the fear of progression questionnaire-short form in acute pancreatitis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of progression (FoP) is associated with the quality of life and behavioral change in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients, but lack of assessment tools.

AIM: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form in AP patients (AP-FoP-Q-SF).

METHODS: Internal consistency, factorial structure, convergent validity, and criterion validity of AP-FoP-Q-SF were assessed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the cutoff value for high FoP. Associations between patient variables and FoP were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Wilcox rank sum test was used to analyses the costs and length of hospital stay of the patients with high FoP.

RESULTS: The two-factor structure showed a good fit. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.771). The cutoff of 26 identified 35.3% of patients with high FoP. High FoP scores were associated with age (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.98), recurrence times (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.02-1.45) and anxiety (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.16-1.40). Patients with high FoP spent more cost and time in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS: The AP-FoP-Q-SF is a good FoP tool for AP patients in China.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians can use the AP-FoP-Q-SF to assess FoP and take promotion programs to avoid worse effects.