Development and validation of a Perceived Relocation Stress Scale for older individuals transferred to long-term care facilities in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to develop and validate a Perceived Relocation Stress Scale. METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used. A total of 175 older adults residing in long-term care facilities in Southern Taiwan for at least 1 y were recruited. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine item convergent and discriminant validity. Concurrent validity was checked using the Depression Anxiety and Stress scale. The reliability was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The face and content validity of the scale were verified by adequately measuring the scale items. Factor analysis consisted of four components (challenge/chance, positive appraisal, threat, loss), with a total variance of 67.35%. The content validity was determined by an expert panel to systematically examine the relevance of all items. The results of item convergent and discriminant validity supported the constructs of the scale. The alpha coefficient for the overall scale was .958, indicating good internal consistency reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The Perceived Relocation Stress Scale is a reliable and valid measurement to assess the stress perceived by older individuals being transferred to a long-term care facility.