Content validation of an instrument for identifying violence against children

Abstract

Objective: To elaborate and validate the contents of an instrument for identifying violence against children. Methods: Methodological study consisting of two stages: the first was the development of the instrument from the literature review; the second was content validation, with evaluation of the instrument by 25 experts. For analysis, were adopted Kappa coefficient ≥0.61, and content validity index ≥0.75. Results: In the first round, of 62 items, it was necessary to reformulate the content of 23 items. After adjustments suggested by the experts, the instrumented had 50 items in the second round. Of these, only one had Kappa> 0.61 (Kappa = 0.50). The lack of agreement among experts resulted in the exclusion of this item in the third round. Conclusion: The instrument showed satisfactory content validity index and can be used to identify signs of suspected violence and help health professionals in child care.