THE DYSFUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR RATING INSTRUMENT - UTILITY IN AN AUSTRALIAN POPULATION

This report examines the validity and reliability of the Dysfunctional Behaviour Rating Instrument (DBRI), designed for completion by caregi vers of individuals with dementia residing in the community. Randomly selected carers completed the instrument and scores were compared to s cores on measures of ADL, cognition and caregiver burden. The DBRI cor related weakly with cognition, r = -0.20 (p<.05), but moderately with burden r = 0.49 and ADL r = 0.33 (both p<0.001). The DBRI is considere d to be both valid and reliable for use with an Australian population.