Reliability and validity of the German version of the University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale (UJACAS-G)

• Main Authors: Timo Hinrichs (Author), Taina Rantanen (Author), Erja Portegijs (Author), Lukas Nebiker (Author), Roland Rössler (Author), Fabian Schwendinger (Author), Arno Schmidt-Trucksäss (Author), Ralf Roth (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SpringerOpen, 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/s41687-024-00786-w; 2509-8020
• Keywords: Aging; Geriatric assessment; Quality of life; Health status; Psychometrics; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes, Vol 8, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2024)

Abstract Background The University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale (UJACAS) assesses active aging through willingness, ability, opportunity, and frequency of involvement in activities. Recognizing the lack of a German version, the Finnish original was translated (UJACAS-G). This study aimed: (1) to evaluate the test-retest reliability of UJACAS-G; and (2) to explore correlations with health-related parameters (concurrent validity). Methods The study (test-retest design) targeted healthy older adults aged 65+. Reliability of UJACAS-G (total and subscores) was assessed using Bland-Altman analyses and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Furthermore, correlations (Spearman's rho) between UJACAS-G scores and physical function (walking speed, handgrip strength, balance, 6-minute walk distance), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment), and health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey) were calculated. Results Bland-Altman analyses (N = 60; mean age 72.3, SD 5.9 years; 50% women) revealed mean differences close to zero and narrow limits of agreement for all scores (total score: mean difference −1.9; limits −31.7 to 27.9). The ability subscore showed clustering at its upper limit. ICC was 0.829 (95% CI 0.730 to 0.894) for the total score and ranged between 0.530 and 0.876 for subscores (all p-values < 0.001). The total score correlated with walking speed (rho = 0.345; p = 0.008), physical activity (rho = 0.279; p = 0.033) and mental health (rho = 0.329; p = 0.010). Conclusions UJACAS-G is reliable for assessing active aging among German-speaking healthy older adults. A potential 'ceiling effect' regarding the ability subscore should be considered when applying UJACAS-G to well-functioning populations. Analyses of concurrent validity indicated only weak correlations with health-related parameters.