Development and validation of a tramadol misuse quitting self-efficacy scale: a Nigerian version

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Even though there are scales for the measurement of self-efficacy in quitting drug misuse, none had measured quitting self-efficacy with regards to the peculiarities of the situations involving tramadol misuse. We therefore developed and validated a scale to measure self-efficacy in quitting tramadol misuse among long-term tramadol users. Methods: A mixed-method design combining qualitative study with quantitative procedures was applied. Six experts and 30 tramadol users were involved in the content and face validity tests, respectively. A sample of 160 tramadol users (149 males and 11 females) in the Benue State of Nigeria was selected using snowball method for construct validity test. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to determine the factor structure of the scale. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach alpha. Results: An exploratory factor analysis resulted in the extraction of three factors: capability to resist external pressure, capability to resist internal pressure, and capability to cope. The Cronbach alpha for the three factors were 0.93, 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: A 16-item scale in a self-report format has been developed to measure self-efficacy in quitting tramadol misuse. This scale can provide information vital for developing self-efficacy interventions for tramadol users and evaluating outcomes.