The Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia (EdFED) scale: A Turkish validity and reliability study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Psychology
• Nursing Science

Background:

• Feeding difficulties are a significant concern in dementia care, often overlooked.
• Existing screening tools for feeding and malnutrition lack a Turkish version specific to dementia patients.
• The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) Scale is a valuable tool for assessing feeding challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) Scale into the Turkish language.
• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the EdFED Scale.
• To provide a reliable and valid instrument for assessing feeding difficulties in Turkish-speaking individuals with dementia.

Main Methods:

• Methodological study adhering to STARD guidelines.
• Involved 200 participants with dementia.
• Data collected via Personal Information Form, EdFED Scale, and Mini Nutritional Assessment Test, followed by validity and reliability analyses (CFA, Cronbach's alpha).

Main Results:

• Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original three-factor structure of the EdFED Scale.
• High content validity index (0.95) and good model fit indices were observed.
• Reliability analysis showed strong internal consistency for the factors: 'Indicators of Patient Difficulty' (α=0.81), 'Patient's Need for Assistance' (α=0.79), and 'Indicators of Feeding Difficulty' (α=0.64).

Conclusions:

• The Turkish version of the EdFED Scale demonstrates reliable and valid psychometric properties for assessing feeding difficulties in people with dementia.
• The scale is suitable for clinical use, offering a practical tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
• This adaptation addresses a critical gap in available tools for evaluating feeding challenges in Turkish-speaking dementia populations.