OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the Turkish version of the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Knowledge Scale (BPSD-T) among caregivers. The goal was to assess the scale's psychometric properties, ensuring it accurately measures caregivers' knowledge of dementia-related behavioral and psychological symptoms in a Turkish context.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected from 212 caregivers providing home-based care to dementia patients across Turkey. Participants completed a 12-item Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) knowledge questionnaire along with a sociodemographic form. To examine the factor structure of the scale, both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. Sample adequacy for EFA was assessed using the Kaiser- Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test of sphericity. For CFA, model fit was evaluated using fit indices such as χ2/df, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). The internal consistency of the scale was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the BPSD-T has strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.85) and a robust factor structure. Factor loadings ranged from 0.396 to 0.744, supporting the construct validity of the scale. Item-total correlations ranged from 0.437 to 0.711, with the item "BPSD are the major source of caregiving burden" having the highest correlation (r=0.711). The results indicate that the BPSD-T is a reliable instrument for assessing caregivers' knowledge of behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.

CONCLUSION

The BPSD-T provides an effective means of identifying knowledge gaps among caregivers in Turkey and serves as a valuable tool for developing training programs aimed at improving the management of BPSD. This study contributes to the literature by validating the scale in a non-Western context, suggesting that enhancing caregivers' knowledge of BPSD can have positive impacts on clinical management and patient care. In this regard, the implementation of the BPSD-T may support the more effective management of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients.