Validity and Reliability of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised among Nigerian Medical Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) is used globally to assess workplace bullying. However, its validity and reliability have not been assessed among Nigerians. Aim: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised among medical students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Calabar. All 123 students in the fifth-year class were approached for participation. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered concurrently. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. RESULT: We recruited 119 participants (response rate, 96.74%). Most were males [68, 57.1%] and unmarried [114, 95.8%]. The mean age of the sample was 25.2 (SD=3.2). Probable mental disorder was identified in 52 (43.7%) students, while 64 (53.8%) and 25 (21.0%) were classified as occasionally bullied or bullied, respectively. The correlation between the NAQ-R and the GHQ-12 was 0.47 (p<0.0001). The NAQ-R demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.92). Logistic regression indicated that students experiencing occasional bullying were over three times more likely to screen positive on the GHQ-12 (OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.27 - 10.12). Furthermore, those regularly bullied were about ten times more likely to screen positively on the GHQ-12 compared to students who did not report bullying (OR: 9.78, 95% CI: 2.77 - 34.44, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised is a potentially useful measure of workplace bullying among Nigerians.