Psychometric properties of the Arabic language version of Modified Falls Efficacy Scale: Rasch analysis

To test psychometric properties to support the validity of the Arabic language version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (A-MFES) for use with older adults in rehabilitation settings.

A cross-sectional study included the response of A-MFES for 207 older adults (66.6 ± 5.8) from Saudi Arabia. Rasch analysis was used to investigate psychometric properties like unidimensionality with reliability, targeting, rating scale functioning and Differential Item Functioning (DIF).

The main dimension was explained by 78.8% of the variance, which confirmed the unidimensionality of the A-MFES. The reliability coefficient was 0.95, indicating high internal consistency. Targeting showed that item difficulty covered 96% of the participants' ability. No statistically significant DIFs were observed between males and females or between age groups. Rating scale functioning of the original 11-category scale indicated overlap between the adjacent categories. Collapsing adjacent categories suggested a six-category scale, which indicated better functioning.

Five of six validity evidence supported the validity of the A-MFES for use in rehabilitation settings to evaluate fall-related self-efficacy among older adults. The A-MFES indicated promising use for identifying older adults at fall risk and planning interventions accordingly. However, revision of rating scale structure is recommended, and further investigation is needed.