Development of an Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly (ASADE) and Its Psychometric Properties

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and determine its reliability and validity. Methods: The study sample was comprised of 309 elderly participants aged 65 and older living in 2 nursing homes. The theoretical framework for the scale was the Roy Adaptation Model. The construct validity of the scale was tested using exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was assessed using internal consistency and split-half reliability. Results: The content validity index of the scale was 98.54 %. Factor analysis yielded 4 factors with eigenvalues of 1 and above, which explained 65.57% of the total variance. The alpha coefficient for the scale was 0.93. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.88 for the first half and 0.89 for the second half; the Guttman Cronbach's alpha value was 0.83. Conclusion: The final scale consists of 24 items answered on a 4-point Likert-type scale. The scale is evaluated on the basis of a mean score; the lowest score possible is 0 and the highest is 3. The closer the individual's score is to 0, the higher the level of adaptation. The current study found good reliability and validity for the scale. It is recommended for use in determining the extent of adaptation difficulties of the elderly.