Needs hierarchy assessment scale for older adults: A scale development study

This methodological study aimed to develop the Needs Hierarchy Assessment Scale for Older Adults, grounded in Maslow's five-level model, and to examine its psychometric properties. The research was conducted in Türkiye with a sample of 300 older adults. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Needs Hierarchy Assessment Scale for Older Adults. To determine the factor structure of the scale, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. A five-factor structure consisting of 22 items was established. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients demonstrated strong internal consistency across the five factors: 0.76 for Factor 1, 0.79 for Factor 2, 0.82 for Factor 3, 0.83 for Factor 4, and 0.85 for Factor 5. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit, with indices as follows: χ²/df = 1.796, RMSEA = 0.052, GFI = 0.902, CFI = 0.936, and NFI = 0.868. Overall, the findings provide evidence that the NHAS-OA is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the extent to which older adults' needs are met within Maslow's conceptual framework.