Development and content validation of an instrument to measure self-efficacy associated with healthy lifestyle behaviours in women with possible high risk for cardiovascular disease: Methodological research, first testing among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

ABSTRACT Development and content validation of an instrument to measure self-efficacy associated with healthy lifestyle behaviours in women with possible high risk for cardiovascular disease: Methodological research, first testing among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome Background: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women. Literature states that 80% of CVD is preventable by a healthy lifestyle. This requires behavioural change in diet, physical activity and smoking. Self-efficacy plays a central role in behavioural change and needs to be measured in women with possible high risk for CVD, in specific women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This helps them to become aware of weaknesses in their lifestyle which need improvement to reduce cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). If areas for improvement have been identified, healthcare professionals are able to choose tailored interventions. Aim and research question(s): to develop an instrument to measure self-efficacy beliefs in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The research question was: “What is the content validity, as determined by the content validity index, of the developed instrument to measure self-efficacy associated with a healthy lifestyle in women with possible high risk for CVD, in specific for women with PCOS?” Method: a methodological study was conducted. The Lynn procedure was followed to achieve content validity. Eight professional experts and nine patient experts have participated. Results: Literature search resulted in 14 self-efficacy instruments and 70 items for review by the expert panel. The final instrument resulted in 66 items in the three lifestyle behavioural domains diet, physical activity and smoking. Its Scale-Content Validity Index was 0.95. Conclusion: the instrument cannot yet be deemed as content valid to measure self-efficacy beliefs in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in women with possible high risk for CVD, in specific women with PCOS. Recommendations: further psychometric tests (internal consistency, construct validity, factor analysis, test-retest reliability) are needed to obtain more evidence for its validity and reliability. Thereafter, the instrument could be tested in other female populations with high risk for CVD, like diabetes.