Validity and reliability of the UCLA loneliness scale version 3 in Farsi

Abstract

The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 (UCLA LS3) is a widely used instrument to assess subjective feelings of loneliness. The aim of this study was to evaluate cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of a Farsi version of the UCLA LS3. The questionnaire was translated into Farsi and completed by 300 healthy adults. In confirmatory factor analysis, three-factor structure showed a good fit to the data. Internal consistency of the scale was high; and in the concurrent validity, the UCLA LS3 had a positive association with the Social Network Index. In addition, test-retest reliability over a four-week period supported stability of the UCLA LS3 score. Our findings indicated that the Farsi version of the UCLA LS3 is a valid and reliable measure to assess loneliness in a Farsi-speaking population.