Validation of a Spanish translation of the CLOX for use in Hispanic samples: the Hispanic EPESE study

Abstract

Objectives Clock drawing tests (CDT) appear to be less vulnerable to linguistic, cultural, or educational bias than traditional dementia screening instruments. We investigated a Spanish language translation of CLOX: an executive CDT, in a community sample of Hispanic elders. Methods In‐home CLOX evaluations of 1309 Mexican–American elders were reviewed. Results Both CLOX1 (an executive CDT) and CLOX2 (a constructional CDT) showed good internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha; both α = 0.82). Cultural‐demographic variables had little effect on CLOX scores. Although language had a significant effect on CLOX1 failure rates, this was not mediated by age, education, acculturation or income. Conclusions These results suggest that the Spanish CLOX can be validly administered to community‐based Hispanic elder samples regardless of education or acculturation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.