Adaptation of Caregivers' Task Scale for Multiple Sclerosis to Turkish Society: Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study was planned and carried out methodologically to adapt the Caregiving Tasks in Multiple Sclerosis Scale (CTiMSS) to Turkish society. 
 Methods: A methodological research.The study was conducted with caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis who presented to the neurology clinic of a university hospital between June 2019 and September 2020. The validity and reliability study of the Caregiving Tasks in Multiple Sclerosis Scale (CTiMSS) was performed with a total of 142 individuals, which is more than 5 times the number of items on the scale (24 items).
 Results: The validity of the CTiMSS was evaluated with language validity, construct validity (CFA), and content validity. The reliability coefficient of the internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's Alpha) was found to be extremely high (0.97). Item-total correlation of the scale was examined, and accordingly, no items were removed from the scale. The scale was administered to 30 patients at a two-week interval to analyze test-retest reliability and time-dependent invariance.
 Conclusion: The CTiMSS, which was adapted to Turkish society to evaluate the tasks of individuals providing care for individuals with multiple sclerosis, is a valid and reliable tool. We recommend that it should be administered to different groups and cultures to increase its evidence value. CTiMSS is an appropriate measurement tool to determine the duties of caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis.