Sinhala version of dementia knowledge assessment scale (SI-DKAS): a validation cross-sectional survey among nursing students

Objective To translate and adapt the dementia knowledge assessment scale (DKAS) into Sinhala version and to evaluate its psychometric properties among nursing students. Methods A cross-sectional validation study was conducted in two phases: (i) translation and adaptation and (ii) evaluating psychometric properties (N = 394 nursing students). Results The DKAS was adapted to the Sinhala (Si-DKAS) version, and the content validity index (CVI = 0.9) was satisfactory. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) resulted in an 18-item Si-DKAS with a four-factor model: “care considerations,” “causes and characteristics of dementia,” “health promotion,” and “misconceptions about dementia.” The model fit indices were suboptimal (comparative fix index [CFI] = 0.809 and Turker–Lewis index [TLI] = 0.773), and some indices were acceptable (standardized root-mean-squared residual [SRMR] = 0.040 and root-mean-squared error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.053). Internal consistency (0.7) and test–retest correlation (0.9) were acceptable. Discriminant validity was confirmed by knowledge score differences based on academic years. Conclusions This is a valid and reliable tool for assessing knowledge of dementia among Sinhala-speaking nursing students.