Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19: Research to develop a measuring instrument

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals about COVID-19 and to develop a valid and reliable scale that can measure these items about COVID-19 and other similar pandemic processes. DesignMethodological scale study with a quantitative approach. SiteCarried out at the Uludağ University Family Health Center in Bursa, Turkey. Participants415 individuals in the first phase and 367 in the retest phase. InterventionsCarried out between March 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021. Main measurementsReliability and factor analyses were performed and validity was evaluated. In factor analysis, a scale with 4 factors and 30 questions was obtained. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to the factor scores of the scale. Factors were named A-General Culture, B-Mask, Distance and Cleanliness, C-Mental Status, and D-Way of Information. A 3-point Likert-type scoring system was created for the responses. ResultsCronbach's alpha value was 0.894. In factor modeling, 3 of the confirmatory factor analysis fit indices were good and 4 of them were acceptable, so our model was found to be appropriate. The scale was highly reliable, according to internal and external consistency coefficients. The scale was named the Turkey COVID-19 Attitude Scale. p values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. ConclusionsThe valid and reliable Turkey COVID-19 Attitude Scale, which we developed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals about COVID-19, can be used to guide research during COVID-19 and future pandemics.