Abstract
Purpose: To develop an Anticipatory Grief Scale for Family Caregivers (AGSFC) of a person dying at home and analyze its reliability and validity.
Methods: Based on a review of the literature and our previous study, a temporary scale consisting of 51 items was prepared. The scale was conducted on 99 families who were caring for a family member dying at home. As a control group, the scale was also conducted on 68 families who were providing care for a family member with a non-terminal disease.
Results: As a result of factor analysis, 4 factors (spiritual pain in preparing for a loss, physical and mental fatigability in daily life, precedent anxiety regarding bereavement, and exhaustion) comprised of 19 items were extracted. The reliability of the scale was confirmed by a Cronbach's alpha internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.87 (0.70–0.85 for subscales). The criterion-related validity was confirmed by comparison with the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28) scores. Construct validity was confirmed by comparison between families caring for a family member in the terminal stage and families providing care for a family member with a non-terminal disease.
Conclusion: The reliability and validity of the AGSFC were confirmed. Therefore, this scale may be suitable for use with family caregivers of a person dying at home. Further, it is necessary to refine this scale.
