Validation of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in Malay Language among Older Adults Living in Community

Abstract

Older people’s health is greatly influenced by social support, yet in Malaysia, there is currently lack of validated tool to measure social support. This cross-sectional study was to validate a Malay version of the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS-M). The translated version had been validated among different Malaysian populations except for older adults. A total of 295 community-dwelling older adults were recruited in this study. The MSPSS-M had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.85) and good concurrent validity. The confirmatory factor analysis provided strong evidence for the construct validity of the instrument. The Malay version MSPSS is reliable, valid, and valuable for measuring perceived social support.