A Malay Version of the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS-M) Questionnaire: Its Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability among Malaysian Informal Dementia Caregivers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i04.3236Keywords:
dementia, attitude, validation, Malaysia, caregiversAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Dementia is an increasing public health concern globally and in Malaysia, where informal caregivers, mainly family members, provide most care. Caregivers’ attitudes may influence the quality of care and outcomes of people living with dementia (PLwD). However, no validated Malay questionnaire is available to assess dementia-related attitudes. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS-M) among Malaysian informal dementia caregivers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 355 informal caregivers recruited from geriatric clinics at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre between March and July 2025. The DAS underwent forward–backward translation, expert content validation, and pilot testing for face validity. Construct validity was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal axis factoring and Promax rotation. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. RESULTS: The DAS-M demonstrated excellent content validity (I-CVI=1.00; S-CVI/Ave=1.00) and strong face validity (S-FVI/Ave=0.995). EFA supported a two-factor structure comprising Social Comfort and Knowledge, which explained 40.2% of the total variance. Three items were removed due to low factor loadings and communalities, resulting in a 17-item scale. The final scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.825) and moderate-to-good test–retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The DAS-M demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability for assessing dementia-related attitudes among Malaysian informal caregivers. These findings support its potential use in research, caregiver training programmes, and public health interventions in Malaysia.
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