Measuring patient anxiety in primary care: Rasch analysis of the 6-item Spielberger state anxiety scale

Court, H., Greenland, K. and Margrain, T.H. (2010) Measuring patient anxiety in primary care: Rasch analysis of the 6-item Spielberger state anxiety scale. Value in Health, 13(6), pp. 813-819. (doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2010.00758.x)

Abstract

<br>Objectives: The 6-item Spielberger State Anxiety Scale has been used as a replacement of the original version in many health-care studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the shortened 6-item Spielberger State Anxiety Scale using Rasch analysis in general medical practice patients (N = 297).</br> <br>Methods: Participants (aged 16 years or above) were recruited on a consecutive basis from three general medical practices. Prior to their appointment, participants were asked to complete a 6-item Spielberger State Anxiety Scale.</br> <br>Results: The results of the study showed that the scale is unidimentional, and each item measures a different level of patient anxiety. The rating scale operated well and item and person reliability was good. Furthermore, principal-components analysis of the residuals confirmed the scale measures a unitary concept. A scoring key was generated to allow conversion of raw scores to a continuous measurement.</br> <br>Conclusion: The 6-item Spielberger State Anxiety Scale is shorter than the original version and has good psychometric properties. This would suggest the scale is a valid alternative to the full version for use in primary health-care practice and research.</br>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Court, Dr Helen
• Authors: Court, H., Greenland, K., and Margrain, T.H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Value in Health
• ISSN: 1098-3015
• ISSN (Online): 1524-4733