Construction and validation of an instrument to assess knowledge about hepatitis B among nurses

Abstract

Objective: To construct and validate an instrument to assess knowledge about hepatitis B among nurses. Method: Methodological study developed in three stages: theoretical (integrative review, construction of the instrument, content validation by an expert in the subject and semantic validation with the target population), empirical (pilot study with the target population) and analytical (content validity index, Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis). The target population of the instrument was primary health care nurses in the capital of Piauí, Brazil. Data collection was carried out online from August 2021 to May 2022. Results: Semantic validation was performed by 20 nurses and the agreement score obtained through the Content Validity Index (CVI) was adequate, above 0.8. In the exploratory factor analysis, all indicators were within adequate and satisfactory limits, without any cross-loading or Heywood Case issues. Reliability indices also reached adequate levels (α = 0.89; ω = 0.89; and ORION ranging from 0.855 to 0.886 between domains). The final version of the instrument consists of 18 items that are categorized into three dimensions, accounting for an explained variance of 66.76%. Conclusion: The instrument shows evidence of satisfactory content, appearance and internal structure validity to assess nurses’ knowledge about hepatitis B, thus it can be used to support the planning and evaluation of continuing education programs for nurses and undergraduate students.