Validation of Dementia Quality of Life Scale for Older Family Carers for Brazil

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy is a phenomenon that spreads worldwide and, concomitantly, some aspects associated with aging arise, such as the impairment of physical and cognitive abilities. Therefore, the population may be more susceptible to the onset of diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD is the most prevalent type of dementia in Brazil and, due to its characteristics, it demands complex and intense care from its caregivers. Faced with the need to pay attention to the quality of life of caregivers with AD, the importance of developing specific instruments for assessing the QOL of caregivers of people with dementia is observed. Thus, this study aims to validate the adapted Brazilian version of the Dementia Quality of Life Scale for Older Family Carers (DQoL - OC) for adult and elderly family caregivers of people with dementia. In Brazil, there is a lack of specific quality-of-life measurement instruments for caregivers of people with dementia. This is a methodological study of validation of the adapted Brazilian version of the DQoL-OC and for that, its reliability and validity will be analyzed. Data collection will be online, inviting people aged 18 or over, who are caregivers of a family member with dementia and are literate. Upon accepting to participate in the research, an online form will be sent for completion, including six questionnaires (Quality of life assessment scale for family caregivers of people with dementia - Dementia Quality of Life Scale for older family carers, Quality assessment scales) of life – WHOQOL - bref and WHOQOL -old, Life Satisfaction Scale SWLS-BP, Burden Scale Zarit Burden Interview - EZBI and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - DASS- 21). The quality of life, health status and caregiver burden will be evaluated. Each participant must answer all the questionnaires and will have 60 minutes to participate in the research. All ethical precepts will be respected. At the end of the study, the aim is to make the validated version of the DQoL-OC available for use in Brazil.(AU)