Psychometric evaluation of Persian version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale for elderly Persians

Disequilibrium is a common complaint in the elderly. The activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale is a suitable tool for assessing the level of confidence in balance whilst performing daily activities. The purpose of the study was translation, cultural adaptation and evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale for elderly Persians. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional (test development) study. The ABC scale was translated based on the native protocol of the international quality of life assessment and was adapted to conditions found in Iranian culture. Upon confirmation of face validity, the questionnaire was given to 142 Persians aged between 60 and 92 years, selected via simple sampling. After one week, 56 participants were asked to complete the questionnaire again. Finally, reliability was evaluated using internal consistency and test-retest reproducibility. Three items out of 16 were modified to adapt the scale to Iranian culture. Changes were approved by the original author. Reliability was confirmed using a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.96 and an Intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97. The Persian version of the ABC scale is equivalent to the original content of the scale. In addition, it is compliant with the terms of Persian culture. It has high validity and reliability. It is suitable for assessing the level of balance confidence in the elderly in clinical or research settings.