Reliability and construct validity of the Long Version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (Brazilian Version)

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the reliability test-retest (intra and inter-examiner) and construct validity of the Long Version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (Brazilian Version – DADL-BR). Methods: The DADL-BR was applied to 58 caregivers/family of older adults with dementia. The inter-examiner (n = 30) and intra-examiner (n = 28) reliability was assessed using the kappa test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity (n = 48) was performed by comparing DADL-BR with MMSE. Results: The results of the intra and inter-examiner demonstrated good reliability (0.72 and 0.74), as well as nearly perfect correlations (0.99) for both inter- and intra-examiner reliability. The internal consistency was excellent (0.87) and the results demonstrated a good correlation (0.74) between DADL-BR and MMSE in construct validity analysis. Conclusions: DADL-BR can be considered reliable instrument and with good construct validity, considering internal consistency and test-retest reliability and may be constitute a useful instrument for assessing the occupational performance profile of older adults with dementia.