Validity of self-report screening scale for elder abuse: Women's Health Australia Study.
OBJECTIVE
Early identification of elder abuse requires a valid, easily administered screening instrument. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), a 12-item self-report measure with four factors (Vulnerability, Dependence, Dejection, and Coercion).


METHODS
The sample consisted of 10,421 nationally representative Women's Health Australia study participants, aged 73-78, who completed the Time 2 postal survey in 1999. We tested validity of the VASS factor structure and whether baseline risk status independently predicted Time 2 attrition.


RESULTS
Findings confirmed the VASS factor structure and construct validity. Four factors explained 51% of variance, and these factors were internally consistent. The Vulnerability and Coercion factors held the strongest face and construct validity for physical and psychological abuse. The Dependence and Dejection factors were valid and reliable and significantly predicted 3-year attrition after controlling for confounders.


CONCLUSIONS
Further work is needed to determine sensitivity and specificity of VASS as a screening instrument for elder abuse. Qualitative research could examine specific experiences and contexts of vulnerable women.
Schofield
Margot J
MJ
School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
Mishra
Gita D
GD
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health