Validation of the Bangla Mindful Attention Awareness Scale

This study tested the reliability, validity and factor structure of the Bangla translated Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Three scales - the Bangla MAAS, the short form of health 36 (SF-36) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) - were applied to 519 university students (51.4% female). Ninety-two participants were retested over a two weeks period to examine test-retest reliability. Consistent with previous studies, the results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed a single factor solution for the Bangla MAAS (χ2/df=222.243/90=2.47, CFI=0.93, NFI=0.87, and RMSEA=0.053). The temporal stability and internal consistency was also satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha 0.85). The Bangla MAAS was significantly and positively associated with SF-36 Mental and Physical health components and negatively with IAT scores. Additionally, MAAS scored significantly varied with the presence of physical illness and different living conditions, suggesting the validity of the tool. The Bangla version of the MAAS is, therefore, a valid and reliable tool to measure mindfulness among young Bangladeshi adults.