Validation of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory in Chilean older people

Abstract

Objective: Currently in Chile there is a lack of validated tools for measuring anxiety in the elderly population. Considering this, the purpose of this study was to validate the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) in the country.

Method: An analysis of the psychometric properties of the GAI was carried out, using a non-clinical sample of 301 older adults in the Metropolitan and Valparaíso regions of Chile. Older people were asked about anxiety, rumination, depression, well-being and sociodemographic data.

Results: An excellent internal reliability was obtained with a Cronbach score of 0.931. An adequate convergent validity was observed with the Depression scales (CES-D) (Rho = 0.549, p < .01), Rumination (RSS) (Rho = 0.618; p < 0.01) and Experiential avoiding (Rho = 0.485; p < 0.01). On the other hand, the discriminant validity of the psychological well-being scale presented a negative correlation of Rho = -0.699 (p < 0.01). Finally, and Exploratory Factor Analysis was made, revealing a one-dimensional model of the instrument.

Conclusion: The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory has very good psychometric properties measuring anxiety in elderly people, being an adequate instrument for the screening of anxiety on this population.

Keywords: Anxiety; Older people; Reliability; Validity.