Sense of competence questionnaire among informal caregivers of older adults with dementia symptoms: A psychometric evaluation

2007

Evaluating the Sense of Competence Questionnaire for Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia Symptoms

Sample size: 99 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jansen Aaltje PD, van Hout Hein PJ, van Marwijk Harm WJ, Nijpels Giel, Gundy Chad, Vernooij-Dassen Myrra JFJ, de Vet Henrica CW, Schellevis François G, Stalman Wim AB

Primary Institution: VU University medical center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Hypothesis

Is the Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SCQ) a valid and useful tool for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia symptoms?

Conclusion

The SCQ's subscales showed good homogeneity and feasibility, but only the subscale 'consequences of involvement in care' was found to be partly valid.

Supporting Evidence

93 out of 99 caregivers completed the SCQ, indicating good feasibility.
The SCQ comprises three expected subscales.
Cronbach's alpha for the subscales indicated good homogeneity.
A ceiling effect was found on the subscale 'satisfaction with the care recipient'.
Only the subscale 'consequences of involvement in care' was found to be partly valid.

Takeaway

This study looked at a questionnaire to see if it helps caregivers of older adults with dementia symptoms feel competent, and it found that only part of the questionnaire works well.

Methodology

A psychometric evaluation was performed among 99 informal caregivers, testing construct validity, feasibility, subscales, homogeneity, and floor and ceiling effects.