Development and Validation of a Tool to Measure Dietitians' Self-Efficacy with Using Mobile Health Apps in Dietetic Practice

Abstract

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a tool for assessing dietitians' self-efficacy with using mobile health (mHealth) apps in dietetic practice. Design and ParticipantsA tool for measuring mHealth app self-efficacy among dietitians was constructed based on a literature review, consultation with experts, and Bandura's self-efficacy scales development guide. Senior dietetic students and new graduate dietitians in Australia (n = 100) tested the tool. Outcome Measures and AnalysisValidation of the tool was conducted using factor analysis. Reliability testing was undertaken to examine internal consistency and repeatability. ResultsConstruct validity was demonstrated through extraction of 4 factors with significant loadings accounting for 68% of variance: efficiency and effectiveness of nutrition care, training and support, integration into dietetic work systems, and familiarity with apps. Internal consistency reliability overall was 0.90; 3 of 4 constructs had Cronbach α > .70. Weighted kappas for test-retest reliability indicated moderate to substantial agreement (0.43–0.76). Conclusions and ImplicationsThis tool will be useful to researchers and dietetic associations interested in measuring dietitians' levels of mHealth app self-efficacy, developing interventions to enhance self-efficacy, and/or evaluating changes in self-efficacy after professional training. Testing of the tool in a more diverse sample of dietitians and among other health professional groups could enhance the applicability of the tool.