Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Elderly Dignity Questionnaire

Respect for dignity is the core of nursing. Dignity assessment improves nurses’ understanding of the level of people’s need for it. Yet, there is no valid and reliable culturally-appropriate instrument for dignity assessment among elderly people in Iran. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Elderly Dignity Questionnaire (EDQ).

The methodological study, EDQ items were generated based on the results of a qualitative study with conventional content analysis approach into dignity and the existing literature. For qualitative and quantitative face and content validity assessments, ten experts rated item then, item impact score and content validity ratio and index were calculated. Construct validity of EDQ was assessed via the exploratory factor analysis and using the data collected from 200 elderly people. Criterion validity was tested using the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Reliability testing was performed via the internal consistency and the test-retest stability assessments and data was collected from twenty elderly. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13.

Factor analysis loaded the forty items on six factors. factor six was combined with factor five due to its limited number of items. The five factors were labeled as roles and responsibilities (twelve items), familial and social relationships (seven items), self-dignity (ten items), authorization (four items), independence, and integrity (seven items). The Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient of EDQ were 0.91 and 0.86, respectively.

This study confirms EDQ’s validity and reliability. Thus, this questionnaire can be used for dignity in the elderly.