Escala de Avaliação da Fadiga: Funcionamento diferencial dos itens em regiões brasileiras

Abstract

This study aimed to understand, through the Item Response Theory, the psychometric parameters and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). There were 7,008 physicians participating, with a mean age of 47.3 years (SD=11.33), the majority being male (62.4%). We estimated the items' parameters through the Samejima Graded Response Model and the DIF by likelihood ratio, the pseudo-R2 statistics and the differences between the weights of the reg ressions (Δβs). Results showed good variation of the response thresholds (j) and good discrimination (a). Concerning the DIF, even considering the strictest criteria set forth in the literature, the findings showed a non-significant effect of the region in response to the items. In conclusion, probably the FAS does not have DIF, supporting its use in the Brazilian context.