Development of a Culturally Valid Instrument Examining HPV Knowledge and Beliefs of Lakota Women on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this article is to describe the modification of an instrument to secure cultural validity using cognitive interviewing to adequately examine and address health issues in a diverse population. Method Cultural experts ( n = 8) on the Lakota reservation were identified to provide input on cultural items of an instrument. Two rounds of cognitive interviewing ensued with each expert. The instrument items ( n = 40) were reviewed and revised as indicated. Results The results of this project were twofold; a culturally valid instrument was developed, and a process was delineated to ensure cultural validity. Content validity was supported by the 100% consensus among the Lakota cultural experts on every item. Discussion This article describes how cognitive interviewing was applied for instrument modification to obtain cultural validity resulting in a relevant instrument which may useful to researchers when working with diverse populations that have unique needs.