Construct validity of the Spanish version of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale and validation of the web-based form in COVID-19 survivors

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the psychometric characteristics of the Spanish Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale (web-based and paper-based forms) and the test-retest reliability of the web-based form.

Study design and setting: Cross-sectional study of 125 COVID-19 survivors. The test-retest reliability of the web-based form was assessed at 7 days after the first evaluation. We collected symptoms, functional status (PCFS scale), health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L), activities of daily living limitations [Barthel Index and Global Activity Limitation Index, GALI] and psychological state (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS).

Results: The paper- and web-based forms of the Spanish PCFS scale showed adequate construct validity, and the web-based form provided substantial test-retest reliability (kappa = 0.63). The percentage of agreement between the web-based and paper-based forms was high (88%). Functional status showed a high correlation with EQ-5D-5L (inverse) and GALI (direct) (both; Rho ≥ .743), a moderate correlation with HADS (Rho ≥ .409) and a low correlation with the Barthel Index (Rho < .30). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistically significant differences in EQ-5D-5L, GALI and HADS according to the degree of functional status.

Conclusion: The Spanish version of the PCFS scale (web-based and paper-based forms) showed adequate construct validity, and the web-based form provided substantial test-retest reliability in COVID-19 survivors.