Development and Validation of a Fatigue Assessment Scale for US Construction Workers

ObjectiveTo develop a fatigue assessment scale and test its reliability and validity for commercial construction workers. MethodsUsing a two-phased approach, we first identified items (first phase) for the development of a Fatigue Assessment Scale for Construction Workers (FASCW) through review of existing scales in the scientific literature, key informant interviews (n=11) and focus groups (three groups with six workers each) with construction workers. The second phase included assessment for the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the new scale using a repeated-measures study design with a convenience sample of construction workers (n=144). ResultsPhase one resulted in a 16-item preliminary scale that after factor analysis yielded a final 10-item scale with two sub-scales (Lethargy and Bodily Ailment). During phase two, the FASCW and its subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha coefficients were FASCW [0.91], Lethargy [0.86] and Bodily Ailment [0.84]) and acceptable test-retest reliability (Pearson Correlations Coefficients: 0.59-0.68; Intraclass Correlation Coefficients: 0.74-0.80). Correlation analysis substantiated concurrent and convergent validity. A discriminant analysis demonstrated that the FASCW differentiated between groups with arthritis status and different work hours. ConclusionsThe 10-item FASCW with good reliability and validity is an effective tool for assessing the severity of fatigue among construction workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:220-228, 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.