Regular Research ArticlesAre Wandering and Physically Nonaggressive Agitation Equivalent?
Section snippets
METHODS
In a cross-sectional correlational study, we videotaped participants for up to 12 observations (mean: 9.0; SD: 2.0, range: 1–12) designed to occur once per hour between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. The study was approved by appropriate institutional review boards; each site received a federal single project assurance.
RESULTS
Nearly three-fourths (73.5%) of participants (N = 181) wandered, while 100% displayed PNA. Those who wandered showed random wandering most often (71.3%) and pacing least often (8.8%). For PNA, participants displayed general restlessness most often (98.3%) and inappropriate dressing or disrobing least often (8.8%).
Descriptive statistics for overall wandering (2.91 episodes/hour) and PNA (3.52 behaviors/hour) are shown in Table 1. Overall, rates were similar, differing on average by less than 1
Structure
Factor analyses indicate that wandering, measured by pattern, is a coherent construct, though it may have multiple dimensions when measured in other ways.8, 19, 20 In contrast, PNA has two factors. Factor 1 contains three behaviors (pacing/aimless wandering, trying to get to a different place, handling things inappropriately), the first two corresponding with a possible wandering subscale. Basis for a link between wandering and handling things inappropriately is not clear, although
CONCLUSIONS
According to Trochim's13 approach to construct validity, i.e., examining patterns of relationships among aspects of a given phenomenon, the factor analysis and pattern of correlations among wandering behaviors provide beginning evidence for construct validity representing a specific clinical phenomenon. Wandering patterns, individually and overall, operated in a manner consistent with expectations and with existing evidence, where available.
A similar level of evidence for PNA is not supported.
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2017, American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other DementiasTowards defining restlessness in individuals with dementia
2017, Aging and Mental HealthIs an Engaging or Soothing Environment Associated With the Psychological Well-Being of People With Dementia in Long-Term Care?
2017, Journal of Nursing Scholarship
This study was supported by a grant (RO1 NR04569) from the National Institutes of Nursing Research and Aging (to DA).
Beel-Bates is currently at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI.