Development and psychometric validation of a canine caregiver burden assessment tool

Abstract

Abstract Background: Companion animal caregiver burden is linked to negative outcomes for the owner, animal, and veterinary healthcare team, but prior research has relied on a measure adapted from human medicine. The current work reports psychometric development and validation of a caregiver burden questionnaire specifically for dog owners. Methods: An item pool and internal scales were developed through a flexible inductive-deductive approach. Psychometric properties and score interpretation were established for a 24-item Canine Caregiver Burden Assessment Tool (CCBAT), an abbreviated 5-item version (CCBAT-A), and a 1-item screener in an initial validation sample (n = 375), then confirmed in a cross-validation sample (n = 329). Results: The CCBAT showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.91–0.92), 1-month test-retest reliability (r = 0.85–0.93), and concurrent validity relative to an established caregiver burden measure (r = 0.83–0.84). The CCBAT-A showed excellent correlation with the CCBAT (r = 0.91–0.93) and generally good psychometrics, including internal consistency (α = 0.72–0.73), test-retest reliability (r = 0.83–0.90) and concurrent validity (r = 0.80–0.82). The 1-item screener showed adequate psychometrics, including CCBAT correlation (r = 0.65–0.69), test-retest reliability (r = 0.50–0.68) and concurrent validity (r = 0.62–0.63). Area-under-the-curve analyses suggest cut scores of ≥56 (CCBAT), ≥12 (CCBAT-A), and ≥2 (1-item). Conclusions: Developed specifically to assess caregiver burden in dog owners, these tools may be used for owners of dogs across a wide variety of health conditions. When time permits and detailed information regarding impact of caretaking is desired, the CCBAT is recommended. The abbreviated CCBAT-A may be useful when only overall level of burden is needed. When using the 1-item measure, following up on a positive screen with the CCBAT or CCBAT-A is recommended.

Affiliated Institutions

• Kent Hospital US
• Zoetis (United States) US
• Kent State University US

Related Publications