Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the intensive care oral care frequency and assessment scale

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to translate the Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency and Assessment Scale into Chinese and to evaluate its reliability and validity in Chinese ICU patients. MethodsThis study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design in ICUs of three tertiary hospitals in Huai'an and Taizhou from October 2022 to April 2023. The Chinese version of the Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency and Assessment Scale (C-ICOCFAS) was developed by expert consultation and cultural adaptation according to the two-person verbatim translation-back translation criteria described in the Brislin model. Item analysis was conducted using correlation analysis, and validity analysis included content validity, construct validity, and criterion validity. Reliability analyses included Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Guttman split-half reliability, and interrater reliability. ResultsThe Chinese version of the scale consisted of one dimension and nine items, consistent with the original version. Exploratory factor analysis showed KMO = 0.891, and the cumulative variance contribution reached 65.534 %. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit, χ2/df = 2.124, NFI = 0.950, GFI = 0.942, IFI = 0.973, CFI = 0.973, SRMR = 0.037, and RMSEA = 0.073. The content validity of the scale was 0.97, and the content validity of the items ranged from 0.83 to 1.00; the criterion validity was 0.969; the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.919; the total item correlation coefficient was 0.725–0.831; the Guttman split-half reliability was 0.919; and the interrater reliability was 0.885. ConclusionThe C-ICOCFAS has good reliability and validity and can effectively guide nurses in the frequency of oral care for ICU patients. Implications for clinical practiceThis tool can significantly improve the level of oral care among ICU patients and further promote the health and safety of patients. These findings can help clinical nursing experts to better understand and master the use of scales and standards to improve nursing.