Erschienen in:
24.02.2020 | Original Article
Italian validation of the caregiving tasks in multiple sclerosis scale (CTiMSS)
verfasst von:
Luca Negri, Eleonora Minacapelli, Marta Bassi, Sabina Cilia, Monica Falautano, Monica Grobberio, Claudia Niccolai, Marianna Pattini, Erika Pietrolongo, Maria Esmeralda Quartuccio, Rosa Gemma Viterbo, Beatrice Allegri, Maria Pia Amato, Miriam Benin, Giovanna De Luca, Claudio Gasperini, Francesco Patti, Maria Trojano, Antonella Delle Fave
Erschienen in:
Neurological Sciences
|
Ausgabe 7/2020
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Abstract
Objectives
Informal caregivers provide fundamental help to persons with multiple sclerosis through a variety of tasks ranging from practical assistance to psychological support. Caregiving Tasks in Multiple Sclerosis Scale (CTiMSS) is a reliable and valid measure assessing the complex structure of caregiving tasks within the context of multiple sclerosis. The present study was aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Italian translation of CTiMSS in a sample of informal caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis.
Methods
A total of 580 caregivers (51.4% women, aged 18–81, M = 46.47, SD = 12.8) together with their care recipients (63.1% women, aged 19–60, M = 40.08, SD = 9.9) were involved in this study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a split-sample approach were employed to evaluate construct validity. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using correlation indices with scales from Short Form Health Survey-36 and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Cronbach’s alphas were used as a measure of reliability.
Results
Compared with the original CTiMSS 4-factor structure, a more stable and valid solution with 3 first-order factor loading on a single second-order factor was evaluated and confirmed; convergent and discriminant validity were also supported, and Cronbach’s alpha values highlighted good-to-excellent reliability levels.
Conclusion
Results supported the validity and reliability of the Italian CTiMSS. Thanks to its ability to assess specific caregiving tasks, the measure can be a useful instrument for tailoring intervention focused on the promotion of both caregivers’ and care recipients’ quality of life.