Exploratory factor analysis of the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire in patients with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Purpose: To perform an exploratory factor analysis of the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was utilized. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire was administered to patients with chronic ankle instability who met the inclusion criteria. Both an unrestricted and restricted factor analysis with varimax rotation were utilized to explore the factor structure of the instrument. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin values were used to determine sampling adequacy. Bartlett's test of sphericity was used to justify that the correlations were suitable for the principal component analysis.

Results: The restricted two-factor analysis resulted in two factors with acceptable internal consistency values. The Keiser-Meyer-Olkin value was acceptable (0.81), and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ² (55) = 515.59, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The ankle-specific Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire consists of two stable factors and should be used to further examine fear-avoidance beliefs in people with chronic ankle instability.

Keywords: Patient-reported outcomes; Psychometric properties; Quality of life.