Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of the Self- Awareness of Falls in Elderly Scale Among Elderly Inpatients

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This research was conducted methodologically to assess the Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Self- Awareness of Falls in Elderly (SAFE) Scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This methodological study was conducted with 346 elderly individuals who received inpatient treatment in the hospital. Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire and the Awareness of Falls in Elderly Scale were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: The average age of elderly individuals is 71.20±5.8, they have at least one chronic disease, 19.2% of them have dropped at least once in the past year, and 36.7% are afraid of falling. Language adaptation of the scale was provided using the translation and back translation method. Ten experts’ opinions were taken for content validity and Content Validity Index was found to be 0.942. Because of factor analysis, it was found that the scale obtained in the Turkish adaptation consisted of 21 items and 4 sub-dimensions, the items formed in the sub- dimensions of the scale showed a different structure from the original scale. The reliability of the scale was examined by internal consistency and stability (test-retest). The internal consistency Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of the scale was calculated as 0.811. CONCLUSION: As a result, the scale obtained because of the Turkish adaptation study of the SAFE scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool.