Psychometric Evaluation of the Turkish Version of the Caregiver Analysis of Reported Experiences with Swallowing...

This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Caregiver Analysis of Reported Experiences with Swallowing Disorders (CARES-TR) among informal caregivers of individuals with dysphagia (IwD). This cross-sectional study included 193 informal caregivers of IwD. The CARES was adapted into Turkish, and its psychometric properties were examined using classical test theory and Rasch model analysis. Internal consistency, item-total correlations, and test-retest reliability were assessed. Convergent validity was examined through correlations with the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), Pedi-EAT-10, International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Functional Diet Scale (IDDSI-FDS), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). Floor and ceiling effects were also evaluated. The CARES-TR demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .91), with subscale alpha values of .83 and .88. Item-total correlations ranged from .41 to .64. Test-retest reliability was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from .89 to .93. CARES-TR total and subscale scores showed moderate to strong correlations with related measures, including the EAT-10 (rₛ = .52-.55), Pedi-EAT-10 (rₛ = .62-.72), PAS (rₛ = .55-.63), IDDSI-FDS (rₛ =  - .57 to - .68), and ZBI (rₛ = .64-.74; all p < .001). Rasch analysis indicated acceptable item fit (Infit MNSQ = 0.84-1.16; Outfit MNSQ = 0.71-1.19), adequate person reliability (.86), and appropriate targeting of item difficulty to respondent ability. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. The CARES-TR demonstrates satisfactory reliability and validity and appears to be a psychometrically robust, brief, and clinically applicable screening instrument for assessing dysphagia-related caregiver burden in Turkish-speaking populations.