Establishing psychometric properties of the older volunteer competency scale in the community

Meng-Chin Chen ¹, Kuei-Min Chen ², Li-Hui Lin ³

⁰Department of Nursing, Yuhing Junior College of Health Care and Management, No. 15, Lane 420, Dachang 2nd Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung 80776, Taiwan.

Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.) +

|

February 29, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The Older Volunteer Competency Scale effectively measures older adult volunteer skills. This validated instrument demonstrates strong reliability and internal consistency for assessing competency and needs in this demographic.

Area Of Science

Gerontology
Psychometrics
Volunteer Studies

Background

Older adults are a vital volunteer demographic.
Assessing their competencies is crucial for effective program placement and support.
Existing tools may not adequately capture the nuances of older volunteer skills.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Older Volunteer Competency Scale.
To confirm its factorial structure, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency.
To establish the scale as a reliable instrument for older volunteers.

Main Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
1,000 older volunteers completed the Older Volunteer Competency Scale.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, along with Cronbach's alpha, were used to assess psychometric properties.

Main Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded favorable results.
The scale demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
The three dimensions—service awareness, service skills, and interpersonal interaction—were well-defined.

Conclusions

The Older Volunteer Competency Scale is a psychometrically sound instrument.
It is effective for evaluating the competency and identifying the needs of older volunteers.
The scale supports targeted volunteer program development and management.

Keywords:

Factor analysis Older volunteer Reliability Sale development Validity