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OBJECTIVE: Investigate evidence of validity of the Family Vulnerability Scale (EVFAM-BR) as an instrument to support population-based management in primary health care (PHC), in the scope of Health Care Planning (PAS). METHODS: This is a psychometric study to assess any additional evidence of the internal structure of EVFAM-BR using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network analysis (NA). A preliminary version of the scale with 38 items was submitted to patients of PHC facilities that use the PAS methodology, distributed across the five regions of Brazil. For the primary CFA data, factor loadings and predictive power (R2) of the item were used. Seven model adjustment indices were adopted and reliability was measured by three indicators, using Bayesian estimation. RESULTS: The preliminary version of the scale was applied to 1,255 patients. Using the AFC, factor loadings ranged from 0.66 to 0.90 and R2 from 0.44 to 0.81. Both the primary indicators and the model adequacy indices presented satisfactory and consistent levels. According to the NA, the items were appropriately associated with their peers, respecting the established dimensions, thus demonstrating sustainability and stability of the proposed model. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of validity presented by EVFAM-BR indicates, for the first time in Brazil, a concise instrument that is able to assertively measure family vulnerability, potentially supporting population-based management.

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INTRODUCTION: Territory view based on families' vulnerability strata allows identifying different health needs that can guide healthcare at primary care scope. Despite the availability of tools designed to measure family vulnerability, there is still a need for substantial validity evidence, which limits the use of these tools in a country showing multiple socioeconomic and cultural realities, such as Brazil. The primary objective of this study is to develop and gather evidence on the validity of the Family Vulnerability Scale for Brazil, commonly referred to as EVFAM-BR (in Portuguese). METHODS: Items were generated through exploratory qualitative study carried out by 123 health care professionals. The data collected supported the creation of 92 initial items, which were then evaluated by a panel of multi-regional and multi-disciplinary experts (n = 73) to calculate the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). This evaluation process resulted in a refined version of the scale, consisting of 38 items. Next, the scale was applied to 1,255 individuals to test the internal-structure validity by using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Dimensionality was evaluated using Robust Parallel Analysis, and the model underwent cross-validation to determine the final version of EVFAM-BR. RESULTS: This final version consists of 14 items that are categorized into four dimensions, accounting for an explained variance of 79.02%. All indicators were within adequate and satisfactory limits, without any cross-loading or Heywood Case issues. Reliability indices also reached adequate levels (α = 0.71; ω = 0.70; glb = 0.83 and ORION ranging from 0.80 to 0.93, between domains). The instrument scores underwent a normalization process, revealing three distinct vulnerability strata: low (0 to 4), moderate (5 to 6), and high (7 to 14). CONCLUSION: The scale exhibited satisfactory validity evidence, demonstrating consistency, reliability, and robustness. It resulted in a concise instrument that effectively measures and distinguishes levels of family vulnerability within the primary care setting in Brazil.

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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Investigate evidence of validity of the Family Vulnerability Scale (EVFAM-BR) as an instrument to support population-based management in primary health care (PHC), in the scope of Health Care Planning (PAS). METHODS This is a psychometric study to assess any additional evidence of the internal structure of EVFAM-BR using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network analysis (NA). A preliminary version of the scale with 38 items was submitted to patients of PHC facilities that use the PAS methodology, distributed across the five regions of Brazil. For the primary CFA data, factor loadings and predictive power (R2) of the item were used. Seven model adjustment indices were adopted and reliability was measured by three indicators, using Bayesian estimation. RESULTS The preliminary version of the scale was applied to 1,255 patients. Using the AFC, factor loadings ranged from 0.66 to 0.90 and R2 from 0.44 to 0.81. Both the primary indicators and the model adequacy indices presented satisfactory and consistent levels. According to the NA, the items were appropriately associated with their peers, respecting the established dimensions, thus demonstrating sustainability and stability of the proposed model. CONCLUSIONS The evidence of validity presented by EVFAM-BR indicates, for the first time in Brazil, a concise instrument that is able to assertively measure family vulnerability, potentially supporting population-based management.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar evidências de validade da Escala de Vulnerabilidade Familiar (EVFAM-BR) como instrumento de apoio à gestão de base populacional na atenção primária à saúde (APS), no escopo da Planificação da Atenção à Saúde (PAS). MÉTODOS Estudo de natureza psicométrica de evidências adicionais da estrutura interna da EVFAM-BR, por meio da análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC) e análise de redes (network analysis, NA). Versão preliminar da escala com 38 itens foi submetida a usuários de unidades de APS, que executam a metodologia da PAS, distribuídas nas cinco regiões brasileiras. Para os dados primários da AFC, utilizou-se as cargas fatoriais e o poder preditivo do item (R2). Foram adotados sete índices de ajustamento do modelo e a confiabilidade foi aferida por três indicadores, por meio de estimação bayesiana. RESULTADOS A versão preliminar da escala foi aplicada a 1.255 usuários. Pela AFC, as cargas fatoriais variaram de 0,66 a 0,90 e R2 de 0,44 a 0,81. Tanto os indicadores primários como os índices de adequação do modelo estabeleceram-se em níveis satisfatórios e consistentes. A NA apontou que os itens se associaram de forma adequada com seus pares, respeitando as dimensões estabelecidas, o que indica, novamente, a sustentabilidade e estabilidade do modelo proposto. CONCLUSÕES As evidências de validade apresentadas pela EVFAM-BR enunciam, de forma inédita no Brasil, um instrumento conciso, capaz de mensurar assertivamente a vulnerabilidade familiar, potencialmente apoiando a gestão de base populacional.

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