Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire Assessing Elderly Knowledge of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Adequate knowledge of NCDs is essential to encourage preventive behaviors and self-management. Accurate assessment requires a valid and reliable instrument. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to measure elderly knowledge of NCDs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative approach. Fifty-five elderly participants were selected through purposive sampling. Instrument validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation, with significance set at p < 0.05. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients greater than 0.6 considered acceptable.

Results: Seven closed-ended items were evaluated. All items demonstrated significant validity (p < 0.05). The internal consistency of the instrument, measured using Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.692, indicating acceptable reliability.

Conclusion: The seven-item questionnaire assessing elderly knowledge of NCDs was found to be valid and reliable. It is suitable for use as a data collection tool in future studies on elderly health knowledge.