Abstract
AimsTo develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Chinese Feeding Difficulty Index (Ch-FDI) which assesses feeding difficulties in people with dementia (PwD).Research Design and MethodScale items were developed using literature review based on Model of Feeding Difficulty. Content validity was evaluated and items were modified by expert panel. Following translation and back-translation, the Ch-FDI was piloted on residents with dementia. The reliability was tested by inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability. Internal reliability was established by calculating Cronbach's α coefficient. The concurrent validity was evaluated by correlating with similar scale, the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED). The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with varimax rotation and parallel analysis (PA) was performed to test construct validity.MethodParticipants were recruited from long-term care facilities in Taiwan. A total of 213 residents with dementia participated in this study during May, 2010 to February, 2011.ResultsContent validation, translation and psychometric testing were completed on the 19 items of the Ch-FDI. The translated scale was piloted on 213 residents with dementia of feeding difficulty who were recruited from eight long-term care facilities in Taiwan. The reliability was supported by the internal consistency of Cronbach's α of 0.68 and a test-retest coefficient of 0.85. The content validity, face validity, concurrent validity, and construct validity were used.ConclusionsThe Ch-FDI is a newly developed scale with fair psychometric properties aimed to measure feeding difficulties among residents with dementia in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Using this reliable and valid tool can help healthcare providers to assess feeding problems of PwD and provide feeding assistance in order to promote quality of care during mealtime in long-term care facilities.
Highlights
In recent years, care of people with dementia (PwD) has become the focus of medical care, and feeding difficulty is a common problem among PwD
Translation and psychometric testing were completed on the 19 items of the Chinese Feeding Difficulty Index (Ch-Feeding Difficulty Index (FDI))
The translated scale was piloted on 213 residents with dementia of feeding difficulty who were recruited from eight long-term care facilities in Taiwan
Summary
Care of people with dementia (PwD) has become the focus of medical care, and feeding difficulty is a common problem among PwD. Factors associated with feeding problems of PwD are complicated including physical functions, psychological and social factors, the dining environment, and cultural issues [4]. Physical functions such as impaired motor skills, chemosensory changes, olfactory and visual impairment, and dental or oral health are related to the feeding and nutritional problems of PwD. Feeding PwD in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere dining room has shown to increase food intake and mealtime socialization, and decrease late-day agitation. Cultural issues, such as lack of ethnic foods, unable to meet special eating habits, and self-perception of older adults are related to the eating ability of PwD [3]
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