Psychometric properties of a new simplified scale to assess the quality of workers’ rest and recreation on their days off

Abstract

Background In this study, we developed and tested the validity and reliability of the 12-item Rest and Recreation Quality Scale (RRQ-Scale) for Workers as a new scale capable of conveniently assessing the quality of workers’ days off, that is, their rest and recreation. Methods Participants included 756 employees (694 men, 62 women, mean age ± SD= 44.7 ± 13.5, age range = 18–81) of 26 manufacturing-related companies located in Oita Prefecture, Japan. We analyzed the factorial validity of the scale’s score distribution and its criterion-related validity and reliability (Cronbach’s coefficient α), compared to MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2) and the generalized self-efficacy scale. Participants responded to the 12 questions on 4-point scales; these were summed to calculate the total score (score range: 12–48 points). Results The smallest and largest mean ± SD of the questions were 2.53 ± 0.89 and 3.21 ± 0.74, respectively, which are within the possible score range (1–4, implying the absence of floor and ceiling effects). A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the goodness of fit of the higher-order factor analysis model was satisfactory (GFI = 0.955), confirming factorial validity. In addition, con-sistent with the theoretical predictions, the total score exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with the components of the SF-36v2; physical component summary (PCS): rs = 0.193, P < 0.001, mental component summary (MCS): rs = 0.369, P < 0.001, and role/social Component Summary (RCS): rs = 0.115, P = 0.002. This confirmed criterion-related validity. Further, the overall reliability of the scale was high; α = 0.877. Conclusion In sum, the score distribution, validity, and reliability of the RRQ-Scale for workers were good, indicating a high degree of practicality.