Rasch analysis of the community integration measure in persons with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective: To examine the measurement properties of the Community Integration Measure (CIM) in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: Rasch analysis was used to retrospectively evaluate the CIM.

Setting: Rehabilitation hospital.

Participants: Persons (N=279) 1 to 15 years after a TBI.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measure: CIM RESULTS: The CIM met Rasch expectations of unidimensionality and reliability (person separation ratio=2.01, item separation ratio=4.52). However, item endorsibility was poorly targeted to the participants' level of community integration. A ceiling effect was found with this sample.

Conclusions: The CIM is a relatively reliable and unidimensional scale. Future iterations might benefit from the addition of items that are more difficult to endorse (ie, improved targeting).

Keywords: Brain injuries; Community integration; Psychometrics; Rehabilitation.