Reliability and Validity of a Tool to Measure School Nurse Perceptions and Practices Associated With Childhood Obesity Prevention

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Childhood obesity prevention (COP) should include increasing school nurse involvement. Measurements of school nurse perceptions influencing COP practices are limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of 5 measures of school nurse COP practices and perceptions. Methods: A 70-item anonymous survey was completed by 171 Florida registered nurse (RN) school nurses and tested for reliability and validity. Results: Internal reliability was acceptable with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from .81 to .94. Uncertain to adequate test–retest reliability was determined by correlation coefficients (r = .55–.78). Significant correlations (p < .05) based on hypothesized relationships provided moderate support for construct validity. Conclusions: Results support use of these scales in research with targeted school nurse populations to promote COP practices.