Reliability and validity of Chinese version of Falls Efficacy Scale (Swedish version)

Objective We tried to translate the English version of the Falls Efficacy Scale, Swedish version [FES(S)] into Chinese and test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of FES(S) in patients after stroke. Methods Totally 145 patients after stroke were recruited and were investigated by the Chinese version of FES (S). The result underwent analysis of reliability and validity. Results The internal consistency coefficient of the Chinese version of FES(S) were 0.896. The Cronbach's α coefficient of two dimensions, which were Activity of Daily Living Ability and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living, were 0.863 and 0.872. The split half coefficient was 0.653, test-retest reliability was 0.743. The content validity index(CVI) was calculated according to related formulas, which was 0.896~1.000, the average CVI of all items was 0.925, CVI of each item was above 0.8. Factor analysis got two factors, which explained 40.852% of the total variance. Except for item 5, other items showed factor loading >0.4 for its common factor. Conclusions The Chinese version of FES (S) has been proved to be reliable and valid. It can be used as a valid tool for assessing stroke patients with risk for falls and self-confidence. Key words: Falls Efficacy Scale (Swedish version); Reliability; Validity