Piyaorn Wajanatinapart
Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand
Title: Psychometric properties of caregiving measures for persons with dementia in Thailand
Biography
Biography: Piyaorn Wajanatinapart
Abstract
The number of persons with dementia (PWD) has increased significantly. Informal caregivers are the major providing care at home. They can have perceived gains and burdens during providing care. Caregivers who reported high in perceived gains may report low in burdens and better health. There was no report psychometric properties in a few studies and most studies with no theory-guided and conducting in Western countries. The self-determination theory (SDT) was used to guide the study and conducting the study in Thailand. The study aimed to evaluate six measures for internal consistency reliability, four measures based on SDT for content validity, and one measure for construct validity. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive design with two convenience samples. Sample 1 was five Thai experts to assess content validity of measures. Sample 2 was 146 Thai caregivers of PWD to assess construct validity, and internal consistency reliability. Experts rated questionnaires and caregivers answered questionnaires at clinics of four Thai hospitals. Data analysis was used descriptive statistics, the content validity index (CVI) and average of content validity index of the scale (S-CVI), Cronbach’s alphas, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. For study results, most caregivers were female (82%), middle age (M=51.1, SD=11.9), and daughters (57%). They provided care for 15 hours/day with 4.6 years. The CVI and the S-CVI were .80 or higher for clarity and relevance. The CVI of sets of questionnaires were .80 or higher for comprehensiveness and cultural relevance. Experts suggested item revisions. Cronbach’s alphas were .26 to .93. The Gain in Alzheimer Care Questionnaire was acceptable for construct validity. This study was the first use SDT to guide the study about caregiving in Thailand. Caregivers’ characteristics were consistent with literature. Four measures were valid and reliable but two measures would be needed to revise. Researchers could use four measures for further caregiving studies. Using a theory would help describe concepts, propositions and measures used.