The Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia (EdFED) scale: ATurkish validity and reliability study.

Abstract

The present study aimed to adapt the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) Scale to Turkish. This methodological study was reported using STARD (The STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy). The sample included 200 people with dementia. The data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Test. For the Turkish adaptation of the scale, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis), criterion validity (concurrent scale validity) and reliability analysis (Cronbach's α coefficient, item-total score correlation) were performed, respectively. The three-factor model in the original scale was verified. The content validity index was 0.95. The Cronbach's α coefficient factors were as follows: 'Indicators of Patient Difficulty' α=0.81, 'Patient's Need for Assistance' α=0.79 and 'Indicators of Feeding Difficulty' α=0.64, respectively. When the CFA fit indexes were examined, the model fit values were good. The three-factor structure was verified, compared with the original model and was compatible. No modification was needed in the model. The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale Turkish version provides reliable and valid measures of feeding difficulties in people with dementia. It has satisfactory psychometric properties and is suitable to use in clinical practice. Feeding is one of the most neglected subjects in caring for people with dementia. Screening is recommended to evaluate feeding and malnutrition, but, to our knowledge, there is no tool/scale to evaluate the feeding of the dementia patient in Turkish. The EdFED scale can serve healthcare professionals and caregivers as a practical tool for feeding difficulties in people with dementia.