Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the 9 factors Chinese version of MCEM.
Method: The study objects were 249 main caregivers who delivered care to the aged people admitted into hospitals twice and in need of care-giving in China. Data were collected by post or placement methods, and analyzed with correlation coefficient. The application of measures such as Cronbach's α coefficient and factor analysis testified the reliability and validity of MCEM.
Results: Based on analysis of internal consistency and designated factors, the number of Chinese MCEM version items was reduced from 64 to 51. Results from the reliability and validity test of the new 51-item version proved that there is no significant relationship between reliability and the “Social Desirability Scale” and no responding biases were observed. Cronbach's α coefficient at 0.88 indicated a high internal consistency measurement and test-retest Abs function (absolute value) for all items was within range 0.08~0.18, a figure far below the absolute value of 1. The coefficient of stability amounted to a high of 0.82 proving that there is a relationship between validity and “Care-givers' Self-efficacy Scale” (r=0.33, p<0.01) supporting further the criterion-related validity. Results of factor analysis showed that the 9 factors on which the final 51-item version was based provide a cumulative contribution rate of 54.8%, a value which supports the construct validity of MCEM.
Conclusion: Though a few issues remain that need to be resolved, the current MCEM version can be well applied resulting in high value assessment of main care-givers' empowerment in China.
