The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) as an outcome measurement in a randomized controlled trial in a Norwegian stroke population

TLDR

Post‑stroke psychosocial challenges are complex and impact rehabilitation, making psychosocial well‑being an important outcome that requires a valid, reliable instrument, yet the factor structure of the Norwegian GHQ‑28 in stroke patients has not yet been examined. The study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the GHQ‑28 in a Norwegian stroke population. It evaluated internal consistency, factor structure, construct validity, and measurement invariance.

Abstract

Several studies have documented the variety of post-stroke psychosocial challenges, which are complex, multifaceted, and affect a patient's rehabilitation and recovery. Due to the consequences of these challenges, psychosocial well-being should be considered an important outcome of the stroke rehabilitation. Thus, a valid and reliable instrument that is appropriate for the stroke population is required. The factor structure of the Norwegian version of GHQ-28 has not previously been examined when applied to a stroke population. The purpose of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the GHQ-28 when applied in the stroke population included in the randomized controlled trial; "Psychosocial well-being following stroke", by evaluating the internal consistency, exploring the factor structure, construct validity and measurement invariance.