Psychometric properties of the Farsi version of Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire in Iranian older adults

Abstract

BackgroundAttitudes to the aging process are affected by the individual’s sociocultural background. The measurement of this important concept among older people in various societies requires the use of tools that are able to demonstrate both reliability and validity.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to translate and validate the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ) and investigate its psychometric features among Iranian older people.MethodsIn this methodological study, the Farsi version of the AAQ was validated among 400 Iranian older adults who were members of citizen clubs in an urban area of Iran. Content, face and construct (exploratory factor analysis) validities of the AAQ were assessed. In addition, its reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency and stability. For discriminant validity, the discriminant power of the AAQ in terms of gender and education levels was evaluated. Criterion validity showed a significant correlation between the most subscales of the AAQ and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the AAQ. The result of the test–retest reliability with a 2-week interval was satisfactory and reported as r=0.90 (p<0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was reported as 0.75 for the whole instrument and 0.85–0.93 for its dimensions. There were associations between the AAQ subscales, SF-36 quality of life (r=0.56, p<0.001) and WHOQOL-BREF (r=0.78, p<0.001), indicating an appropriate convergent validity. The ability to discriminate between male and female participants and those with lower and higher education levels was demonstrated, thus lending support to claims for adequate known-group validity.ConclusionThe Farsi version of the AAQ showed favorable validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used for assessing attitudes toward aging among older adults.

Dignity and attitudes to aging: A cross-sectional study of older adults

“…According to studies of Middle Eastern cultures, there are differences between men and women across all domains and in terms of overall AAQ scores. 35 Gender may play a more important role in these patterns owing to cultural traditions and norms in caring responsibilities; however, whether gender plays a greater role in Asia than in the West remains a matter for further research. 46 According to another study, gender does not affect the attitudes to aging of New Zealanders.…”

“…This approach contributes to the potential effectiveness of the questionnaire. 35 The AAQ is a 24-item scale with three domains that examines different aspects of aging, as follows: Psychosocial Loss (experiences of solitude, social exclusion, and a gradual loss of physical self-sufficiency), Physical Change (physical health, fitness, exercise, and overall reflection of aging), and Psychological Growth (positive experience and a positive attitude toward oneself and the outside world). All items are based on self-reporting with ratings ranging from 1 (reflecting strong disagreement or not at all true) to 5 (reflecting strong agreement or completely true).…”

A Malay Version of the Attitude to Ageing Questionnaire: Its Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability in the Malaysian Older Adult Population

“… 12 ) The questionnaire has been translated into various languages and validated in many countries, including Canada, Spain, Brazil, Iran, Norway, and Belgium. 8 , 13 - 15 ) To our knowledge, no validated tool was available in Malay to measure the attitude toward aging among older adults in Malaysia. Research on the attitudes of Malaysian older adults toward aging is also limited.…”

Dementia and Quality of Life

“…The AAQ questionnaire has shown very good psychometric features across cultures. the psychometric analysis of the aaQ was conducted for example in spain, Brazil, scotland, norway, Canada and iran (Lucas-Carrasco et al, 2013;Kalfoss et al, 2010;Chachamovich et al, 2008b;shenkin et al, 2014;rejeh et al, 2017). it has been proven that the aaQ has a corresponding validity and reliability.…”