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Weeratunga E, Senadheera C, Hettiarachchi M, Perera B. Validation of the Sinhalese Version of Brief COPE Scale for patients with cancer in Sri Lanka. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:157. [PMID: 35725504 PMCID: PMC9210691 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coping strategies play a vital role in cancer management and has been an integral part in the recovery process of cancer patients worldwide. Coping refers to specific efforts; both behavioral and psychological, that diminishes stresses emerged in cancer patients. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sinhalese version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (S-BC) which was developed based on the Brief COPE scale for cancer patients in Sri Lanka. Methods The original Brief COPE is a self-administered tool with 28 items designed to measure coping methods used by people in stressful life events. It consisted of statements related to adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Forty patients with cancer who were registered at the Oncology ward, Teaching Hospital, Galle, Sri Lanka were included in the study. A cross-cultural adaptation of the Brief COPE was done using WHO guidelines. Reliability of the S-BC was assessed using test–retest and internal consistency procedures. The construct validity of the tool was assessed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity of the S-BC was tested using World Health Organization-Quality of Life-Brief scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). Results The mean (± SD) age of the sample was 61(± 12) years, and 52.5% (n = 21) of the participants were men. Eighty percent (n = 32) of the participants were more than one year of treatment from diagnosing as a cancer patient. The test–retest reliability of the S-BC was 0.66, and the internal consistency of the S-BC was good (Cronbach’s alpha - 0.819). Both EFA and CFA revealed a structure comprised of seven factors. Such factors were Avoidance/Behavioral disengagement, Religious faith/Acceptance, Seeking support, Planning, Substance use/Venting, Self-blame and Active/positive coping. The scores of the adaptive coping of the S-BC was negatively and the scores of the maladaptive coping of the S-BC was positively correlated with the CES-D score. The scores of the adaptive coping of the S-BC was positively correlated with the total score of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire indicating the S-BC’s convergent and discriminant validity properties. Conclusion The Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE is found to be a valid and a reliable measure to assess coping strategies used by patients with cancer in Sri Lanka. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00863-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eranthi Weeratunga
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka.
| | - Chandanie Senadheera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Bilesha Perera
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
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Seneviratne VL, Ranaweera S, Atkins M. Elder suicides: A reminder from the forgotten generation ……. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 71:103028. [PMID: 35272255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Elder suicide is a significant public health issue in many countries. This reflects the complex underlying psychosocial, mental and physical health issues that older adults face. Increased life expectancy in developing countries has resulted in a gradual transition to an ageing population. Furthermore, in countries such as Sri Lanka, the transition occurs at a lower per capita income than in developed countries. This will negatively impact the availability of resources and service delivery to at-risk individuals. Thus, addressing elder suicide and concerns of elders are timely issues. This paper looks at the underlying risk factors associated with elder suicide and strategies that can be implemented in preventing elder suicide in the South Asian context, with reference to Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lakmi Seneviratne
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield, VIC 3078, Australia.
| | - Sajeeva Ranaweera
- Expert Committee on Suicide Prevention, Sri Lanka Medical Association, 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.
| | - Martin Atkins
- Gold Coast Mental Health Service, 1, Hospital Blvd, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia.
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Screening tools for common mental disorders in older adults in South Asia: a systematic scoping review. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:427-438. [PMID: 33413722 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220003804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Common mental disorders (CMDs), particularly depression, are major contributors to the global mental health burden. South Asia, while diverse, has cultural, social, and economic challenges, which are common across the region, not least an aging population. This creates an imperative to better understand how CMD affects older people in this context, which relies on valid and culturally appropriate screening and research tools. This review aims to scope the availability of CMD screening tools for older people in South Asia. As a secondary aim, this review will summarize the use of these tools in epidemiology, and the extent to which they have been validated or adapted for this population. DESIGN A scoping review was performed, following PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy was developed iteratively in Medline and translated to Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data were extracted from papers in which a tool was used to identify CMD in a South Asian older population (50+), including validation, adaptation, and use in epidemiology. Validation studies meeting the criteria were critically appraised using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies - version 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS Of the 4694 papers identified, 176 met the selection criteria at full-text screening as relevant examples of diagnostic or screening tool use. There were 15 tool validation studies, which were critically appraised. Of these, 10 were appropriate to evaluate as diagnostic tests. All of these tools assessed for depression. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)-based tools were predominant with variable diagnostic accuracy across different settings. Methodological issues were substantial based on the QUADAS-2 criteria. In the epidemiological studies identified (n = 160), depression alone was assessed for 82% of the studies. Tools lacking cultural validation were commonly used (43%). CONCLUSIONS This review identifies a number of current research gaps including a need for culturally relevant validation studies, and attention to other CMDs such as anxiety.
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Developing and translating screening tools for CMD in older adults in South Asia: cultural and contextual aspects. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:407-409. [PMID: 35067245 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610221000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abeysekera NWBY, De Zoysa E. Higher prevalence of geriatric depression, catastrophizing pain and sleep disorders in institutionalized elders: a cross-sectional study in Galle District, Sri Lanka. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:685. [PMID: 34876029 PMCID: PMC8650419 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02536-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population aging is a significant social problem in the twenty first century. Recent economic and social changes lead increasing number of elders to spend their lives in elderly homes. Institutionalized elders have to face many physical and psychological problems which negatively impact their quality of life. Geriatric depression (GD), catastrophizing pain (CP) and sleep disorders (SD) are some common problems among them. METHODS Present study was designed to assess the prevalence of GD, CP and SD and their correlations in institutionalized elders. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly homes (n = 20) in the Galle district of Sri Lanka enrolling 310 subjects. GD, CP and SD were assessed using validated Sinhala versions of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for windows by using descriptive statistics, the Pearson's chi-square test and Pearson's bivariate correlation (p < 0.05). RESULTS Among the participants (response rate: 95.7%), 34.8% (n = 108) and 65.2% (n = 202) were males and females respectively. Age range of the subjects was 60-103 years with the mean age of 74.97 years (SD 8.852). Most of the study subjects (n = 234, 75.5%) had spent five or less than 5 years in elderly homes at the time of the study and 52.8% (n = 164) of them were unmarried. GD was present in 76.5% (95% CI: 71.7-81.2) of subjects and of them 44% had moderate to severe depression. PCS revealed that 29% (95% CI: 24.0-34.1) had CP. SD were identified in 55.5% (95% CI: 49.5-61.0) of elders and according to PSQI, 86% (95% CI: 82.3-90.0) had poor quality sleep. Positive correlations between GD and CP (r = 0.24, p < 0.01), GD and SD (r = 0.13, p = 0.02), CP and SD (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of GD, CP and SD were significantly higher in this sample of institutionalized elders who were apparently healthy. Findings highlighted the importance of early screening of physical and psychological problems in institutionalized elders to assure better quality of life and to reduce the burden to health care system of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. W. B. Y. Abeysekera
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Mahamodara, Galle, Sri Lanka
| | - Eric De Zoysa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka
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Gallardo-Peralta LP, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Ayala-García A, Forjaz MJ. Multi-ethnic validation of 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale in Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 33:7. [PMID: 32430560 PMCID: PMC7237627 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-020-00146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background There has been scant research published regarding the assessment of depression in ethnic groups, and few studies have addressed the validation of scales for standardized assessment of depressive symptoms among indigenous minorities. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) for a multi-ethnic sample of older Chilean adults. Methods Cross-sectional study with a sample of 800 older people, 71% of whom were self-declared indigenous (Aymara/Mapuche). Results The non-indigenous group had a higher total GDS-15 score and lower quality of life and wellbeing scores than the indigenous groups (p < 0.001). The GDS-15 had a KR-20 coefficient of 0.90 for the non-indigenous group, 0.80 for Aymara, and 0.85 for Mapuche. The homogeneity index was 0.38 for non-indigenous, 0.24 for Aymara, and 0.29 for Mapuche. Discussion The GDS-15 showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics for the samples studied. However, the better results observed for the non-indigenous group suggest that some characteristics and content of the rating scale are not fully appropriate for the indigenous older population. Conclusions There is a need to develop the transcultural validation of scales such as GDS-15, which are applied in a standardized manner in geriatric evaluations as part of primary healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena P Gallardo-Peralta
- School of Social Work, University of Tarapacá, 18 de Septiembre 2222, 1000000, Arica, Chile. .,Faculty of Social Work, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala-García
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María João Forjaz
- National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
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Rajapakshe OBW, Sivayogan S, Kulatunga PM. Prevalence and correlates of depression among older urban community-dwelling adults in Sri Lanka. Psychogeriatrics 2019; 19:202-211. [PMID: 30467924 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM As the population ages, mental health issues among the elderly are becoming a major concern worldwide, including in Sri Lanka. With rapid globalization, the coping and adapting skills of elderly individuals are tested, potentially revealing predisposition to psychological disturbances. Previous studies have indicated a higher risk of depression among the elderly. The current study attempts to quantify the prevalence and associated factors of depression in a highly urbanized setting within Sri Lanka. METHODS A community-based, cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the urban areas of Colombo District. The subjects were young elders (60-74 years) who permanently reside in the area. Depression was assessed by the item Geriatric Depression Scale Sinhalese version (cut-off score ≥8) among 1283 subjects. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of depression with sociodemographic and health-related variables. RESULTS The prevalence of depression in the sample was 13.9% (mild depression: 11.2%; moderate to severe depression: 2.7%). Among the sociodemographic predictors, female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 10.60), being 60-64 years old (OR = 1.61), being unmarried, separated, divorced, or widowed (OR = 3.73), income ≤20 000 Sri Lankan rupees (OR = 2.27), and perceived financial burden (OR = 3.15) were significantly associated with clinically significant depression. Among the health-related variables, smoking (OR = 2.18), alcohol use (OR = 7.58), presence of chronic disease (OR = 1.51), limitation in performing one or more instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 1.73), unsatisfactory partner relationship (OR = 2.94), perceived inadequate social support (OR = 2.47), experiencing abuse (OR = 3.90), and experiencing major life events (OR = 2.11) were significantly related with depression. CONCLUSION Depression is an important issue among the elderly living in an urbanized environment in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sivagurunadan Sivayogan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Prasadi M Kulatunga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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The association between frailty and quality of life among rural community-dwelling older adults in Kegalle district of Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res 2019; 28:2057-2068. [PMID: 30810884 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to estimate the cross-sectional association of frailty status with overall and domain-specific quality of life (QoL) in rural community-dwelling older adults in Kegalle district of Sri Lanka. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 746 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 years living in the rural areas of Kegalle district of Sri Lanka in 2016. A three-stage probability sampling design was used to recruit participants. Frailty and QoL were assessed using the Fried phenotype and Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the association of frailty with QoL after accounting for the complex sampling design. RESULTS The median (IQR) age of the sample was 68 (64:75) years and comprised of 56.7% women. 15.2% (95% CI 12.4%, 18.7%) were frail and 48.5% (95% CI 43.9%, 53.2%) were pre-frail. The unadjusted means (SE) of the total QoL score for the robust, pre-frail and frail groups were 139.2 (0.64), 131.8 (1.04) and 119.2 (1.35), respectively. After adjusting for covariates in the final multivariable model, the estimated differences in mean QoL were lower for both frail and pre-frail groups versus robust. The estimated reduction in the total QoL score was 7.3% for those frail and 2.1% for those pre-frail. All QoL domains apart from 'social relationships and participation', 'home and neighbourhood' and 'financial circumstances' were associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS Frailty was associated with a small but significant lower quality of life in this rural Sri Lankan population, which appears largely explained by 'health' and 'independence, control over life and freedom' QoL domains. Interventions aiming to improve quality of life in frail older adults should consider targeting these aspects.
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Damayanthi HDWT, Moy FM, Abdullah KL, Dharmaratne SD. Handgrip Strength and Its Associated Factors among Community-dwelling Elderly in Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2018; 12:231-236. [PMID: 30193884 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Low muscle strength is central to geriatric physical disabilities and mortality. The purpose of the present study was to examine handgrip strength (HGS) and its associated factors among community-dwelling older people in Sri Lanka. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kandy district using multistage sampling. A total of 999 older people were recruited, with a female preponderance. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics, depression, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference, and HGS were recorded. Complex sample general linear model was used to examine the association between HGS and its associated factors. RESULTS The mean highest HGS of the study group was 12.56 kg (95% confidence interval: 11.94-13.19). Male older people had a higher HGS (17.02, 95% confidence interval: 15.55-18.49 kg) than females (10.59, 95% confidence interval: 10.12-11.06 kg). For both men and women, older age was associated with lower HGS, while mid-upper arm circumference was associated with better HGS. Diabetes mellitus, vegetarian diet, and alcohol consumption were associated with HGS for women only. CONCLUSION Men had a higher HGS compared with women. Age, mid-upper arm circumference, diabetes mellitus, vegetarian diet, and alcohol consumption were factors associated with HGS among community-dwelling older people in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. HGS can be used as a feasible strategy to improve health status of older people by community health nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewaratne D W T Damayanthi
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Foong-Ming Moy
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Kathijah L Abdullah
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Samath D Dharmaratne
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States; Department of Health Metric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
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Damayanthi HDWT, Moy FM, Abdullah KL, Dharmaratne SD. Prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among community-dwelling older persons in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:199. [PMID: 30165826 PMCID: PMC6117936 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition in older persons is a public health concern. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among community-dwelling older persons in Sri Lanka. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kandy district, Sri Lanka. The nutritional status of older persons was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment -Short Form (MNA-SF). A standardised questionnaire was used to record factors associated with malnutrition: demographic characteristics, financial characteristics, food and appetite, lifestyle, psychological characteristics, physical characteristics, disease and care, oral health, and social factors. Complex sample multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS Among the 999 participants included in the study, 748 (69.3%) were females and 251 (25.1%) were males. The mean age was 70.80 years (95% CI: 70.13, 71.47). The prevalence of malnutrition, risk of malnutrition and well-nutrition was 12.5%, 52.4% and 35.1% respectively. In the multivariate model, hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.89), alcohol consumption (aOR = 4.06; 95% CI: 1.17, 14.07), and increased age (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.11) were positively associated with malnutrition. An increased number of people living with the older person (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97) was a protective factor among those at risk for malnutrition. CONCLUSION Both the prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were commonly observed among community-dwelling older persons in Sri Lanka. The associated factors identified in this study might help public health professionals to implement necessary interventions that improve the nutritional status of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. D. W. T. Damayanthi
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - F. M. Moy
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K. L. Abdullah
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S. D. Dharmaratne
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Health Metric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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A Psychometric Properties Evaluation of the Italian Version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2018; 2018:1797536. [PMID: 29686898 PMCID: PMC5852888 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1797536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is an evaluation tool to diagnose older adult's depression. This questionnaire was defined by Yesavage and Brink in 1982; it was designed expressly for the older person and defines his/her degree of satisfaction, quality of life, and feelings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-IT). METHODS The Italian version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was administered to 119 people (79 people with a depression diagnosis and 40 healthy ones). We examined the following psychometric characteristics: internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity (factor structure). RESULTS Cronbach's Alpha for the GDS-IT administered to the depressed sample was 0.84. Test-retest reliability was 0.91 and the concurrent validity was 0.83. The factorial analysis showed a structure of 5 factors, and the scale cut-off is between 10 and 11. CONCLUSION The GDS-IT proved to be a reliable and valid questionnaire for the evaluation of depression in an Italian population. In the present study, the GDS-IT showed good psychometric properties. Health professionals now have an assessment tool for the evaluation of depression symptoms in the Italian population.
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