The turkish version of the activities specific balance confidence (abc) scale: Its cultural adaptation, validation and reliability in older adults [Aktiviteye özgü denge güven ölçeginin türkçe versiyonu: Yaşli bireylerde kültürel adaptasyon, güvenirlik ve geçerlik çalişmasi]

Abstract

Introduction: To describe the cultural adaptation of the Turkish Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale and to examine the factor structure, reliability and validity of the scale in older adults. Materials and Method: One hundred and six elderly people were recruited in the study. The assessments included the Turkish Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Mini Mental State Test, Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, and Short Form- 36 (physical function and mental health subgroups) Outcome measures were conducted twice within 2 weeks (test-retest) for reliability. Results: The Cronbach's? coefficient was 0.9649 for the test and 0.9648 for the re-test. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for the test-retest reliability was 0.997 with 95% confidence interval 0.996-0.998. A strong negative correlation was found between the Turkish Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Falls Efficacy Scale (r=-0.835, p<0.001). There were strong positive correlations between the scale and the physical function subgroup of the Short Form-36 (r=0.614, p<0.001), and the Berg Balance Scale (r=0.748, p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between the scale and the mental health subgroup of the Short Form-36 (r=-0.110, p=0.262). Results of a factor analysis conducted on the scale showed evidence of a 2-domain structure. Conclusion: The Turkish Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale showed excellent reliability and good validity. It can be suggested that the scale promises to be useful and practical when used with different groups of elderly for the assessment and management of balance confidence.