Validation of the Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist-1990R for use in acquired brain injury

Abstract

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.

Design: 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.

• Acquired brain injury
• problem behaviours
• carer distress