Development and test of reliability and validity of the self-assessment scale for prevention behavior in high-risk population of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: High-risk population for colorectal cancer have become the primary focus of research on early prevention and treatment strategies. However, some high-risk population often overlook their own prevention behaviors, making it challenging to evaluate them effectively. Currently, the available assessment tools for cancer prevention primarily consist of universal measures, leaving a gap in the availability of specific assessment tools for colorectal cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive and systematic assessment tool for colorectal cancer that is specifically tailored to the needs of high-risk population, in order to effectively promote cancer prevention. Methods: Based on the Information-motivation-behavioral Skills Model, a comprehensive pool of items was developed through an extensive literature review and interviews with 18 high-risk individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After two rounds of expert consultation and pilot testing, an initial scale was formulated. To validate the scale, a field survey was conducted among 488 high-risk individuals with colorectal cancer. The initial scale underwent meticulous item analysis to identify and eliminate redundant or ineffective items, followed by reliability and validity tests to ensure its psychometric soundness. Results: The self-assessment scale for prevention behavior in the high-risk population of colorectal cancer consists of 4 dom[1]ains and 22 items. The scale demonstrates good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.912 and domain-specific coefficients ranging from 0.814 to 0.944. The split-half coefficient is 0.752, and the two-week test-retest reliability coefficient is 0.817. Exploratory factor analysis, utilizing principal axis factor extraction, identified four common factors that accounted for a cumulative explanatory variance of 67.915%. After model modification, confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the absolute fit indices and incremental fit indices met the criteria for model fitting. Conclusion: The scale developed in this study exhibits robust reliability and validity, rendering it suitable for assessing the cancer prevention status of individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for enhancing the level of cancer prevention among high-risk population afflicted with colorectal cancer.