Positive aspects of caregiving (PAC): Scale validation among Chinese dementia caregivers (CG)

Abstract

Objectives This study validates the psychometric properties of the PAC scale among Hong Kong Chinese informal dementia caregivers.

Methods Three hundred and seventy-four caregivers responded to questionnaires including the Chinese version of the PAC scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), occurrence of problem behaviors, caregiver bother, caregiver confidence, and self-rated health (SRH). Translation and back translation were conducted in translating the PAC scale.

Results Results of an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) suggest two components in the 11-item Chinese PAC (C-PAC) scale, namely enriching life and affirming self. C-PAC demonstrates satisfactory reliability. Criteria-related validity of C-PAC is suggested by significant correlations with CES-D, SRH, occurrence of problem behaviors, caregiver bother, and caregiver confidence.

Conclusion Our results support the psychometric properties of C-PAC among Hong Kong Chinese caregivers. This brief measure may help interventionists identify psychological resources of caregivers and capitalize these resources during strength-based interventions.