Cross-cultural validity of the Memory Failures Everyday Questionnaire (MFE-30): Reliability and factor analysis in Venezuelan population

Memory complaints are a reason for recurring consultation both among young adults and older adults who attend health centers, therefore they should be evaluated with instruments that show optimal psychometric properties. The Memory Failures Everyday Questionnaire (MFE-30) allows measuring the forgetfulness and mistakes that people perceive daily; however there are no reports of its psychometric properties in the Latin American context. The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability and validity of the instrument in Venezuelan population. An exploratory analysis was carried out in a sample composed of general population and individuals with substance addiction problems (n= 300); and a confirmatory analysis was made in a sample of university students (n= 303). The results reflect a three-dimensional structure that explains 48.5% of the variance. Good indicators of reliability are observed (alpha= .92), significant correlations with cognitive screening tests and ability to discriminate between groups. In conclusion, it can be considered as a valid and reliable measure, allowing its emergent use at clinical and research level.