Reliability and Validity of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire Using a Rasch Analysis

J Nurs Meas. 2022 Jul 26:JNM-2021-0008.R2. doi: 10.1891/JNM-2021-0008. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to expand on the limited psychometric testing of the NPI-Q, and extend testing to include hospitalized older adults.

Method: This was a descriptive study using data from 318 dyads in an ongoing cluster randomized clinical trial. Rasch analysis and hypothesis testing were done.

Results: The majority of the participants were female (62%), non-Hispanic (98%), and black (50%) with a mean age of 81.62 (SD = 8.43). There was evidence of internal consistency and invariance across race and gender. The items fit with each subscale. Hypothesis testing was supported with a significant association between the NPI-Q and dementia and caregiver distress.

Conclusions: The NPI-Q is short, easy to complete, and reliable and valid when used with hospitalized older adults.

Keywords: acute and critical care < clinical area; gerontology/geriatrics < clinical area; hospital < care setting; psychiatric/mental health < clinical area.

Publication types

  • Editorial