Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Nurses' Observation Scale for Geriatric Patients (NOSGER)

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric features of the Turkish version of The Nurses' Observation Scale for Geriatric Patients (NOSGER), to expose its factor structure and to evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods: The study was carried out among 273 residents (180 women, 93 men; aged 60-96) in a nursing home in Izmir. In the study, the NOSGER, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT) were used as data collection tools. Internal consistency, item-total score correlations and reliability correlation between the interviewers were calculated to assess the reliability of the scale. Its validity was examined by correlation between the scales. Results: Reliability coefficient between the interviewers of the scale, which had a high internal consistency (0.89), was found to be 0.90. A strong relationship was observed between the NOSGER memory subscale and the SMMT. In factor analysis of the scale, two factors were acquired and it was confirmed that those two factors were related to SMMT and GDS. Conclusion: IIt was determined that the Turkish version of the NOSGER was a valid and reliable tool that could be used in the area. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2011; 48: 135-9)