Social
Measuring neighborhood perception and social integration: a qualitative exploration of differential item functioning in the MIDUS study Sara Daniel* Sara Daniel Daniel Daniel Daniel University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy
Background: Differential Item Functioning (DIF) also referred to as lack of measurement invariance, is a key limitation in health equity research. It occurs when items used to collect data are not meaningful for certain populations, or when essential concepts are interpreted differently across groups. This leads to invalid comparisons and introduces measurement error. This study aims to understand potential sources of DIF between Black and White populations for select neighborhood perception and social integration questions in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.
Methods: In 2022, participants were recruited via Craigslist.com across five metropolitan areas. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 47 participants (53% White; 47% Black). To mimic the survey environment, participants were asked MIDUS questions related to neighborhood trust and safety, and community comfort and closeness. Open-ended follow-up questions were asked to identify potential sources of DIF. Using thematic analysis, item wording, interpretation, and perceived relevance were examined between the groups.
Results: Our findings suggest that while “neighborhood” is understood similarly by both groups as geographic, there were differences in the interpretation of “community,” as it could be both social and geographic. One-third of participants were unclear and asked a follow-up question about the meaning of the word “community.” Minority (race, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity) participants tended to mention social communities more often than white heterosexual participants.
Conclusions: This study highlights that items related to “community” are interpreted differently across racial and gender-identity groups and may affect the comparability and validity of results. Integrating contextual and cultural factors specific to minority groups into scale development strengthens test design and improves content and construct validity, helping to prevent future DIF.