Test-Retest Reliability and Mode Effects on Single-Item and Multi-Item Measures in a Survey of Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Salene M. W. Jones, Theresa H.M. Keegan, Erin Elizabeth Hahn, Hazel B. Nichols, Ellen S. O’Meara, Marlaine Figueroa Gray, Karen J. Wernli, Candice A. M. Sauder, Anne C. Kirchhoff, Cecile A. Laurent, Lawrence H. Kushi, Jessica Chubak
DOI: 10.1177/21565333251414792
Cited by: 0
References: 34

Abstract

PURPOSE: This project examined test-retest reliability and survey mode administration across single-item and multi-item measures among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. METHODS: Forty-six AYAs randomly assigned to survey mode (phone, online, and paper) completed the survey and were invited to complete the survey again 1 week later. RESULTS: Mode effects were found on 6% of single-items and 25% of multi-item scores. Reliability was low for 52% of single-items and 8% of multi-item scores. CONCLUSION: Multi-item measures should generally be used over single-item measures due to better reliability, but single-item measures may be preferable when mode effects are large.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life Survey Methodology and Nonresponse Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology
Volume
15
Issue
5
Pages
340–346
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN