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May 14, 2021 article Open access Aachen paper

A questionable factor structure of the multidimensional fatigue inventory in the general Dutch population

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, vol. 137, pp. 266–276

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.05.005 Full text (OA) OpenAlex

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: One of the most commonly used tools to measure fatigue is the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Studies into the scale structure of the MFI show discrepant findings. The objective of this study was to investigate the scale structure of the MFI in the general Dutch population. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Using data from a Dutch probability-based internet panel (n = 2512), the original 5-factor model, a 4-factor, and a 5- and 4-bifactor model of the MFI were tested with confirmatory factor analyses. Additional models were investigated using exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: Results neither confirmed a 5-factor (RMSEA = 0.120, CFI = 0.933, TLI = 0.920) nor a 4-factor model (RMSEA = 0.122, CFI = 0.928, TLI = 0.917). The two bi-factor models also showed a poor fit (bi-4-factor: RMSEA = 0.151, CFI = 0.895, TLI = 0.873; bi-5-factor: RMSEA = 0.153, CFI = 0.894, TLI = 0.871). Exploratory factor analysis did not support an alternative model, but seemed to show robustness in the loading of the original general fatigue items. CONCLUSION: Our results did not provide empirical support for a four or five (bi-)factor structure of the MFI, nor for an alternative model. The most reliable scale of the MFI seems to be the general fatigue scale that could be used as a general indicator of fatigue.

Authors 4

  1. Jacobien Marije Kieffer

    The Netherlands Cancer Institute

    Affiliation as printed

    Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  2. Daniëlle E. J. Starreveld

    The Netherlands Cancer Institute

    Affiliation as printed

    Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  3. Annelies H. Boekhout

    The Netherlands Cancer Institute

    Affiliation as printed

    Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  4. Eveline M. A. Bleiker corresponding Aachen Department of Clinical Genetics

    Leiden University Medical Center · The Netherlands Cancer Institute

    Affiliation as printed

    Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: e.bleiker@nki.nl

    Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands

    Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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References 50