title: [Reliability and validity of DSSI-23 scale in a rural elderly population].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the reliability and validity of the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI)-23 scale in a rural elderly population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A stratified cluster random sampling strategy was adopted to select 702 rural participants aged 60 years or over in Guangyuan. Those with severe hearing disorders or mental problems were excluded. The reliability and validity of DSSI-23 scale were evaluated using internal consistency, split-half reliability,content validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and structure validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The DSSI-23 had a Cronbach's alpha efficient of 0.881 and 0.918 split-half reliability. Item-scale correlation coefficients exceed 0.35 (P<0.01), except for item three. Satisfactory (100%) convergent validity and discriminant validity were found. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) demonstrated unsatisfactory fit with the theoretical model of the scale: chi2/df = 6.884, CFI=0.807, GFI=0.850, RMSEA=0.092.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DSSI-23 scale has good reliability in the elderly population, but unsatisfactory validity. Further adjustments of the scale are needed.
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Mao
authors: Pei-yuan
authors: PY
authors: Qiu
authors: Panke
authors: P
authors: Wen
authors: Yang
authors: Y
authors: Yang
authors: Tian-you
authors: TY
authors: Hao
authors: Xiao-qi
authors: XQ
authors: Gao
authors: Ping
authors: P
authors: Yuan
mesh_terms: D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires