Psychometric properties of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale for unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia in the Brazilian context: a validation study.

BACKGROUND

The Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale (PAC) assesses the satisfaction and psychosocial benefits perceived by caregivers in the caregiving experience.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the psychometric properties of the PAC among unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia in the Brazilian context.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

Validation study of the instrument conducted online with caregivers from different regions of Brazil.

METHODS

The sample comprised 100 unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia. Sociodemographic characteristics, positive aspects of caregiving, burden, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and quality of life were assessed using an online form. Evidence of validity based on internal structure was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability testing, and criterion validity analysis.

RESULTS

Most participants were women (95%), daughters of the care recipient (85%), with an average age of 54.5 years, a high educational level, and residence in the Southeast region of Brazil. Depressive symptoms (70%), anxiety (65%), moderate to severe burden (42%), and low quality of life (62%) were prevalent. Factor analysis indicated satisfactory fit for the PAC, and the high correlation between factors supported consideration of a one-dimensional scoring structure. The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.89) and significant correlations with burden, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The PAC showed good psychometric properties in the Brazilian context, supporting its validity and reliability for assessing positive aspects of caregiving among unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia.