Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the "Brain Fog Scale" in married people in Rafsanjan city

Abstract

Introduction: Brain fog is one of the cognitive disorders that causes people to experience mental fatigue and forgetfulness, which is considered one of the cognitive and mental health problems. The present study was conducted with the aim of translation and evaluation of psychometrics features of the "Brain Fog Scale".

Methods: The present study was of methodological type. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all the married people living in Rafsanjan city in 2022-2023, of which 200 were included in the survey by the convenience sampling method. First, the original version was translated into Persian. After that, the initial translations were combined into a single translation. The final version was translated from Persian to English and finally, the translated version was reviewed, modified, and summarized. The content validity ratio and index, construct validity were measured using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity. Reliability was done using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was done with Amos. 24, Smart version 3, and SPSS .24 software at a significance level of 0.05. 

Results: The content validity ratio based on the opinions of 10 experts was higher than 0.62 and the content validity index was higher than 0.79 for all statements. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that all fit indices supported the acceptable fit of the single-factor model of the questionnaire with the collected data, and the factor loadings of all factors, except for item number 9, were higher than 0.33. There was a direct and significant relationship between the total brain fog score and total score as well as 5 components of general fatigue, physical fatigue, decreased activity, decreased motivation and mental fatigue (P<0.05). The results of Cronbach's alpha coefficient were 0.97.

Conclusion: The Persian version of the "Brain Fog Scale" with 19 items is valid and reliable. "Brain Fog Scale" among the non-clinical married community of Rafsanjan city, like the original version, can be used as a suitable tool to evaluate brain fog. Therefore, it is suggested to use this instrument to measure this structure for the non-clinical population.