A Reliability and Validity Study on the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale

Objective: This study is designed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish adaptation of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS). The ZCBS has been developed for evaluating the burden of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: 100 adult caregivers were included in the study. Caregiver demographic form and ZCBS were administered to the subjects. Factorial validity and internal consistency of the Turkish version of ZCBS were assessed. Criterion-related validity of the scale was investigated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: Construction validity of the scale has been investigated by factor analysis, which revealed five factors. ZCBS has a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.83. The correlation of ZCBS total score with MBI (r=.609) was significant. Conclusion: The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale is found to be a valid and reliable scale to be used within the Turkish population. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2009, 46 Supplement 38-42)