The Nurses' Attitudes Towards Patients With Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Development and Preliminary Validation

Abstract

Aim: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a public health problem throughout the world. Nurses are usually the first caregivers in the mental health team who deal with people with NSSI. Since the consequences of self-injury are associated with its care and treatment, nurses' attitudes towards these people are an important issue. This study aimed to develop and test a scale to measure nurses' attitudes towards patients with non-suicidal self-injury in the Farsi language. Design: A methodological survey. Methods: In this methodological study, to scale preparation, psychometric steps were performed on a questionnaire based on the results of a qualitative study and literature review. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to identify the underlying structure of the scale. Results: The results of the psychometric evaluation showed that the scale included the 22-item NANSSI in four dimensions, including negativism about the consequences of caring, adopting a counselling approach, violating caring norms, and perceptions about self-injury. By Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.75, its reliability is estimated. This scale showed a good validity and reliability, which is applicable to evaluate quality of care for patients with non-suicidal self-injury. No Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.