Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a tool to assess dementia specific quality of life: Evidence from a South Asian population

S Jayakody,C Arambepola

doi:10.4038/sljpsyc.v12i1.8268

Abstract

The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry (SLJP) is a peer-reviewed, open access journal published bi annually by the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.The Journal publishes original papers, brief reports including case reports and commentaries relevant to psychiatry and allied sciences. The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry is committed to maintaining and conforming to the editorial and ethical standards recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.Cover“Perseverance”. These tenacious fishermen in Mannar continue their livelihood despite numerous difficulties. L. N. P. Samarasinghe, Acting Consultant Psychiatrist, Base Hospital Nikaweratiya, Sri Lanka.

Highlights

The goal post in managing patients with long-term degenerative disorders such as dementia is to enable them to lead a respectful and dignified life, with the best quality of life as possible
In confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using robust maximum likelihood method, the original four-factor model emerged with Dementia Specific Quality of Life (DEMQOL) validation data, whereas a fivefactor model was best fitted with DEMQOL-Proxy validation data
Construct validity was assessed by using multi-trait scaling analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), based on data obtained from 100 dyads of patients with mildmoderate dementia and their primary caregivers attending state hospital psychiatry clinics in the Gampaha district

Summary

Introduction

The goal post in managing patients with long-term degenerative disorders such as dementia is to enable them to lead a respectful and dignified life, with the best quality of life as possible. Dementia is fast becoming a public health priority worldwide, including in South Asia [1] Given this burden, South Asian countries should be prepared to face this challenge in the future, and as the first step, should have the capacity to quantify the current burden in terms of the QOL of dementia patients. South Asian countries should be prepared to face this challenge in the future, and as the first step, should have the capacity to quantify the current burden in terms of the QOL of dementia patients In this regard, disease specific QOL assessments that are valid and reliable are important for planning of service provision and as a quality indicator of care [2]. Dementia is fast becoming a public health priority worldwide, including in South Asia. Research about the quality of life of patients with dementia in this part of the world is limited

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion