Validation of the Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist-1990R for use in acquired brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
The Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist-1990R (MBPC-1990R) is a carer-rated measure of (a) problem behaviours and (b) corresponding carer reaction. Although originally developed and validated for dementia, its items are relevant to acquired brain injury (ABI). This study evaluated its validity in this population.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
In a national postal survey carried out to inform service planning, 222 family carers of adults with TBI (49%), strokes (26%), infections (18%), other (7%) completed the MBPC-1990R, Head Injury Behaviour Scale (HIBS), Barthel Index (BI), Northwick Park Dependency Score (NPDS), Carer Burden Interview (CBI), WHOQOL-BREF and GHQ-28.


RESULTS
MBPC-1990R problems correlated well with HIBS problems (r = 0.70), as did MBPC-1990R carer reaction with HIBS distress (r = 0.78) and CBI (r = 0.73) scores, indicating good convergent validity. Discriminant validity was inferred from absent/weak correlations between MBPC-1990R problems and both BI (r = -0.02) and NPDS (r = 0.24); likewise between MBPC-1990R carer reaction and WHOQOL-BREF physical, psychological, social, environmental sub-scales (r = -0.32 to -0.41) and GHQ-28 scores (r = 0.35). Factor analysis revealed excessive, cognitive, aggressive and passive/low mood sub-scales, which showed good internal consistency and varied across ABI groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The MBPC-1990R is supported as a measure of problem behaviours and carer reaction in ABI. Further validation in ABI groups is recommended.
Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK. diana.m.jackson@kcl.ac.uk
Diana
D
Jackson
Lynne
L
Turner-Stokes
Joanna
J
Murray
Morven
M
Leese
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires