Rasch analysis of the Zarit Burden Interview applied to family caregivers in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Análisis de Rasch de la escala burden interview de Zarit aplicada a cuidadores familiares en Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of the scale of Zarit Burden Interview ZBI using Rasch model in a sample of caregivers from Bucaramanga. Materials and methods: methodological study. We evaluated 125 family caregivers of people with chronic diseases using the scale ZBI. The psychometric characteristics of the instrument were analyzed using a Rasch model. Results: all items showed positive polarity. The fit statistics showed that 6 items did not fit the model. The set of 22 items showed dimensionality. After removing the 9 problematic items, the 13 remaining items presented proper fit and dimensionality. Conclusions: Rasch analysis of the ZBI scale applied to family caregivers in Colombia showed that the 22-item scale is multidimensional. In a considerable proportion, the misfit of the items on the scale may arise due to lack of precision and exclusivity construct questions for construct of burden.  Further research is needed to allow refinement of this instrument and establish their behavior with groups of caregivers from different backgrounds and nationalities.