Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the fear and avoidance of memory loss scale in a Chinese context

ObjectivesTo cross-culturally adapt the Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (FAM) scale and assess the psychometric properties in the Chinese cultural context.MethodFollowing Beaton's guidelines, the FAM scale was translated and adapted. A cross-sectional study assessed its psychometric properties, including internal consistency (coefficient omega, Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), and criterion and content validity. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal axis factoring with direct oblimin rotation, with the optimal number of factors determined by the Kaiser criterion and parallel analysis.ResultsThe Chinese version of FAM showed satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity and criterion validity. EFA revealed a two-factor solution of the Chinese FAM scale, leading to a refined 17-item version after excluding item 15 for low factor loading.ConclusionThe adapted 17-item FAM scale can be used as a reliable and effective tool to evaluate fear avoidance specific to memory loss among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. The removal of item 15 suggests potential cultural influences on coping mechanisms and behaviors, indicating the need for further research.