Psychometric evaluation of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory in an acute general hospital setting

Objectives The Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI; (Cohen‐Mansfield and Kerin, 1986)) is a well‐known tool for assessing agitated behaviours in people with dementia who reside in long‐term care. No studies have evaluated the psychometric qualities and factor structure of the CMAI in acute general hospitals, a setting where people with demand may become agitated. Method Longitudinal study investigating pain, agitation and behavioural problems in 230 people with dementia admitted to acute general hospitals in 2011–2012. Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory was completed as part of a battery of assessments including PAINAD to measure pain. Results A nine‐item two‐factor model of aggressive and nonaggressive behaviours proved to be the best‐fitting measurement model in this sample, (χ2 = 96.3, df = 26, p