The Care Dependency Scale: psychometric testing of the Chinese version

Objective： To determine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Care Dependency Scale （CDS） for proxy assessments by nurses in Chinese nursing homes. The CDS is an excellent tool for measuring care dependency in many countries. The Chinese version of the CDS contributes additional data regarding the scale＇s use. Methods： This was a cross-sectional study of 184 older adults; 128 were re-evaluated after 2 weeks. Cronbach＇s alpha, the mean inter-item correlation, the inter-rater reliability and the test-retest reliability were used to analyze the reliability of the CDS. A factor analysis was carried out to find common di- mensions between the CDS versions. Results： The alpha coefficient of the CDS was 0.95. The subsequent inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities were analyzed in terms of the Kappa values, which were between 0.84 and 0.89; 0.83 and 0.92, respectively. Three factors were identified in the factor analysis. Conclusions： The CDS is a suitable tool for assessing care dependency among elderly Chinese residents in nursing homes.

Effect of Brisk Walking on Self-Care Agency or Care Dependency among Colorectal Cancer Patients with Permanent Stoma

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brisk walking as an intervention for self-care agency and care dependency in patients with permanent colorectal cancer stoma.Method:This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design,specifically a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design.Utilizing the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale(ESCA)and Care Dependency Scale(CDS),a survey was administered to 64 patients from a hospital in Shandong Province.The statistical methods used for analyzing data included frequency,mean,standard deviation(SD),independent t-test,P-value calculation,and dependent t-test.Result:After two months of a brisk walking exercise program,participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-care agency than before the experiment(P<0.05),and their level of care dependency was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Participants in the control group also showed higher levels of self-care agency(P<0.05)and lower levels of care dependency(P<0.05)after two months compared to their levels before the two months.Conclusion:The brisk walking program had a positive impact on patients’self-care agency and reduced their care dependency.