Factorial structure of the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children (short form)

Aim. The present study aimed at examining the factorial structure of the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale (Short form), using exploratory and confirmatory analyses. Background. The factorial structure of the short form of the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children has neither been examined by using exploratory factor analysis nor been examined by confirmatory factor analysis. Consequently, whether the factor structure of the short form is congruent with the hypothesised configuration of the factor structure of the full form cannot be confirmed. Design. Survey. Method. A test-retest, within-subjects design was employed. Two hundred children (7-12 years of age) admitted for surgery in a day surgery unit was invited to participate in the study. They were asked to respond to the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale (short form) before surgery and upon discharge home. Results. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that there are two factors underlying the short form, which is congruent with hypothesised configuration of the factor structure of the full form. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the construct validity, with a good fit between the factor structure of the short form and the observed data. Conclusion. This study addressed a gap in the literature by examining the factorial structure of the short form. The results confirmed the factor structure of the short form is congruent with the hypothesised configuration of the factor structure of the full form. Relevance to clinical practice. The availability of a valid, reliable and convenient instrument is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions. The findings also suggest that the short form is an objective assessment tool and can be used by clinical nurses as objective assessment tool in measuring anxiety level of Chinese children in busy clinical settings, where time constraints make the use of the full form unfeasible.