Validation of the Chinese Version of Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised

Abstract

Background: The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) is a psychometrically sound and valid self-report measure for evaluating the severity of six dimensions of obsessive-compulsive symptoms: washing, obsessing, hoarding, ordering, checking, and neutralising. We aimed to validate the Chinese version of the OCI-R (C-OCI-R) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Hong Kong.

Methods: The C-OCI-R was forward and backward translated and reviewed by an expert panel and a focus group. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2-week interval) were examined. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the construct validity of the C-OCI-R. Concurrent validity was examined by the correlation between the C-OCI-R and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), whereas divergent validity was examined by the correlation of the C-OCI-R with the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Results: 130 OCD patients were recruited. The C-OCI-R showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and test-retest reliability (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient = 0.96). The original six-factor model was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity and divergent validity were established. However, the neutralising subscale may need further development, and the divergent validity of the obsessing subscale was unsatisfactory. The structure of OCD symptoms was similar in Chinese and western patients.

Conclusion: The C-OCI-R is a valid and reliable measure for assessing the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in local Chinese patients with OCD.

Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Validation studies.