Validity and reliability of the turkish version of the elder abuse suspicion index (EASI)

This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish Version of Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI). EASI is a 6-item screening tool designed to increase family physicians' suspicion of elder abuse. A total of 75 community dwelling, 65 and over aged, cognitively well-conditioned elders who were visited their primary healthcare physician were included the study. The mean age for the participants was 70.44±4.20 years. Thirty-seven (49.3%) female and thirty-eight (50.7%) male were included in the study. Data was collected by using a sociodemographic and abuse related variables form, Standardized Mini Mental State Examination Test for both educated and uneducated (SMMTE/SMMTE-E), Turkish version of Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI) and Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test(H-S/EAST). Language validity was ensured by Beaton's protocol for cross-cultural adaptations. Contend validity index were computed according to Expert Panel to assess contend validity. To assess convergent validity, correlation between H-S/EAST and EASI were examined. SPSS version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. To adapt the scale into Turkish version, language validity was performed according to forward translation-backward translation method initially. Content validity index was found 0.967 for total items. Suspicion elder abuse had a moderate positive correlation within EASI and H-S/EAST (r=0.313, p<0.01). Total H-S/EAST score, direct abuse and potential abuse situation subdivision scores had a moderate positive correlation with the EASI, providing evidence for convergent validity. Sensitivity of the Turkish version was calculated 58.33% and the specificity was 79.37%. It was concluded that, the Turkish version of EASI is a valid and reliable measure which can be used for screening elder abuse in primary healthcare settings and to raise awareness for both elders and physicians.