Research Article - Journal of Mental Health and Aging (2021) Volume 5, Issue 5

Reliability and validity of the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire using a rasch analysis.

Objective: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) is a commonly used measure in clinical work and research. The purpose of this study was to expand on the limited psychometric testing of this measure, and extend testing to include hospitalized older adults.

Methods: This was a descriptive study using data from the first 318 dyads in an ongoing cluster randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of Family-centered Function-focused Care. The NPI-Q, the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview, the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and the Confusion Assessment Method Severity were completed. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate internal consistency, invariance using a DIF analysis, and construct validity based on evidence that the items fit the Rasch measurement model. Hypothesis testing evaluated the association between the NPI-Q and other cognitive and functional measures.

Results: The majority of the 318 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 for all subscales (behavior, severity and caregiver distress) and evidence of invariance across race and gender. The items on the NPI-Q fit with each subscale. Hypothesis testing was supported with a significant association between the AD8 and MoCA with behaviors and severity and the AD8 and caregiver distress.

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

Author(s): Barbara Resnick1, Marie Boltz2, Ashley Kuzmik2, Elizabeth Galik1, James E. Galvin3

Abstract Full Text PDF