Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale: Adaptation and Analysis of Psychometric Properties in Ecuadorian University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a linguistic adaptation of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), and to provide evidence on the reliability and validity of the adapted test. The ADKS is a self-administered instrument that examines knowledge about risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, impact on life, care and treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: An instrumental study was implemented. The ADKS items were adapted to the Ecuadorian use of the Spanish language through an iterative process of translation by experts. Next, a sample of 523 university students com- pleted the adapted scale together with a set of other instruments to analyze the fiability and criterion validity of the scale. Results: ADKS Ecuador showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.78), adequate test-retest reliability, p > .05, and convergent and discriminatory evidence of validity when related to other variables. Conclusion: ADKS Ecuador is an adequate instrument to assess general knowledge about AD in young highlgy educated Ecuadorian population with low domain knowledge.