Adaptation of a Loneliness Scale among Older Adults in Assam: A Psychometric Study on Translation

Abstract

Loneliness is a critical public health concern among older adults, linked to adverse psychological and physical outcomes. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) is a widely used self-report tool for assessing subjective loneliness. This study aimed to adapt the scale for older adults in Assam, India, ensuring linguistic and cultural relevance. A systematic translation process was employed, including forward translation to Assamese, back-translation to English, and expert validation for conceptual equivalence. The adapted 20-item scale was administered to 75 older adults (mean age = 69.62 years) from community and institutional settings. Reliability analysis showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .817), and item-total correlations indicated strong internal validity. Inter-item correlations and covariances confirmed cohesive measurement of loneliness while maintaining content diversity. The adapted scale is reliable, culturally appropriate, and suitable for assessing loneliness in Assamese-speaking older adults, supporting research, clinical practice, and community interventions.