Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the medical outcomes study family and marital functioning measures in Hong Kong Chinese childbearing families

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Medical Outcomes Study Family and Marital Functioning Measures (C-MOS-FMFM) in Hong Kong Chinese childbearing families. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 128 childbearing couples recruited from antenatal clinics. The C-MOS-FMFM demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74). Significant correlations with Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (r = 0.38, P<0.01) and Trait Anxiety Inventory (r = -0.48, P<0.01) supported construct validity. Factor analysis identified one factor corresponding to family functioning and two factors corresponding to marital functioning. The C-MOS-FMFM has satisfactory psychometric properties. It has the potential to be used as a clinical and research instrument for measuring family and marital functioning in the Chinese population. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.