Developing an Online Questionnaire to Investigate the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impacts on Social Isolation and Health in Older Adults Living with Multimorbidity: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Introduction. Social restrictions preventing the spread of COVID-19 possibly increased social isolation and loneliness. The validity and reliability of a questionnaire assessing the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on social isolation and loneliness in community dwelling older adults with multimorbidity was investigated.
Methods. A conceptual framework was developed to guide questionnaire construction. Participants were recruited through professional networks, comprising a convenience sample. Feedback interviews assessed usability and face validity. Content validity was assessed using a Content Validity Matrix, and construct validity through tests of association. Reliability of validated scales was assessed using Cronbach’s ⍺. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed.
Results. This questionnaire was found to have strong content validity and validated scale reliability in this population and setting. Construct validity could not be fully ascertained.
Conclusions. The current thesis found the questionnaire to be valid and reliable in this setting and population.