Electronic Version of the Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS): Reliability and Validity for Families of Individuals With Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions.

This study tested the psychometric properties of an electronic Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS) when used with families of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions. Data gathered from 272 family caregivers using the eFQOLS were subjected to reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to test the internal consistency of the scales, as well as criterion and construct validity of the internal structure of the scale. Testing factor structures of the item-level domain models indicated that initiative and stability had low factor loadings in many domains. As a result, these items were deleted from the subscales. The subscale-level FQOL factor structure demonstrated a good fit after two adjustments. The internal consistency of the 27-item total FQOL scale was excellent (α = .93), while that of the subscales ranged from moderate to strong (α = .69 to .90). The eFQOLS had a moderate degree of construct validity, good criterion validity, and reliability when used with diverse families across the lifespan. Additional research is needed to continue refining the survey with a more heterogenous sample.

Evaluating the Benefits of a Family Support Program on the Health and Well-Being of Aging Family Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Providing care to a family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) takes a toll on the health of the caregiver and the family, especially as they age. Research shows that peer mediated family support programs can improve caregiver health and well-being. To date, most family support programs have focused on family caregivers of children and youth with I/DD. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of participating in the Michigan Older Caregivers of Emerging Adults with Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (MI-OCEAN) family support program grounded in the Family Quality of Life (FQOL) framework. Specifically, we examined the effect of participation on health care utilization, caregiver well-being, and perceptions of global FQOL for older caregivers of adults with I/DD. Quantitative analysis of data gathered from 82 caregivers (age 50 and older) indicated that study participation was associated with increased use of Medicaid and improved caregiver well-being (reduced burden, stress, depression; increased health satisfaction and FQOL). Future research is needed to examine the long-term impact of the family support programs in improving the health and well-being of older caregivers of adults with I/DD.