An evaluation of psychometric properties and utility of the Hope Index (HI): a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Abstract

Background: The number of positive psychological interventions, including hope interventions to foster well-being and decrease the huge burden of mental conditions, has exponentially increased. Consequently, the number of hope outcome measures has also increased. The Hope Index (HI) is an extensively used hope outcome measure, but the evidence of its psychometric performance is fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically appraise the psychometric properties of the Hope Index and assess its utility. Methods/design: Two independent and blinded reviewers will search articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ProQuest Dissertations, and Google Scholar. Thereafter, three independent reviewers will then screen the retrieved articles. The risk of bias across studies will then be evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. The quality of the psychometric properties will be rated using a pre-set criterion and, after that, synthesized using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) checklist. Discussion: The proposed systematic review will appraise the collective evidence of the psychometric robustness of the HI. The review will also assist in identifying psychometrics that may require further evaluation and make recommendations on the feasibility and utility of the HI. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024511130.