中山間地域の限界集落において健康生活を送る高齢者のストレングス尺度の開発

Development of Strengths Scale of Healthy Older People Living in Genkai ShūRaku in Mountainous and Hilly Regions

要旨

　目的：中山間地域の限界集落において健康生活を送る高齢者のストレングス尺度を開発し，その信頼性と妥当性を検討する．

　方法：先行文献から抽出した50項目を基に専門家8名及び保健師12名による内容妥当性を検討した後，住民31名への予備調査を経て30項目の尺度原案修正版を作成した．その尺度を用いて限界集落在住の65歳以上の高齢者652名を対象に質問紙調査を実施した．

　結果：340名（有効回答率52.1％）を分析対象とした．その結果【地域資源を活用する力】，【誇りと相互扶助を培う力】，【地域に根差し自分らしく生きる力】，【主体的に健康を探求する力】，【学習や交流による生活充実力】の5因子23項目が抽出された．モデル適合度はGFI＝.873，AGFI＝.845，CFI＝.911，RMSEA＝.068を示し，外的基準との相関はr＝.743であり，Cronbach's α 係数はα＝.932であった．

　結論：本尺度は一定の信頼性と妥当性が確認された．

　Objectives: This study aimed to develop a reliable, valid scale to assess the strengths of healthy older people living in Genkai Shūraku in mountainous and hilly regions of Japan.

　Methods: Content validity was examined based on a draft scale comprising 50 items extracted from previous literature, with input from eight experts and twelve public health professionals. A pilot survey conducted with 31 community-dwelling older adults helped us refine the scale into a final version comprising 30 items. This scale was then used to conduct a self-administered questionnaire with 652 people aged 65 years or older living in Genkai Shūraku in mountainous and hilly regions. The scale's reliability and validity were further assessed.

　Results: Responses were obtained from 340 people(response rate: 52.1%). Exploratory factor analysis extracted 23 items, which were categorized into five factors: ability to [utilize local resources], [cultivate pride and mutual support], [live true to oneself while being rooted in the community], [proactively seek healthcare], and [enrich one's life through learning and interaction]. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was α=.932, and the correlation coefficient (criterion-related validity)was r=.743. The model fit indices were: GFI=.873, AGFI=.845, CFI=.911, and RMSEA=.068.

　Conclusion: Substantive levels of validity and reliability were confirmed for a new scale named Strengths of Healthy Older People Living in Genkai Shūraku in Mountainous and Hilly Regions. Wider application of this scale will strengthen its utility in the field.