Development, Reliability and Validity of an Instrument Assessing Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Gynecologic Diseases and Prevention

Abstract

Background: Many international studies have shown a worldwide increase in sexually transmitted diseases, and lack of knowledge among women regarding gynecologic diseases and their prevention. Aim: Τo develop a special tool that could measure knowledge among women regarding STDs, prevention of gynecologic diseases and sexual health in general. Method: Initially, 13 multiple choice items were selected regarding cervical and breast cancer prevention and also adoption of SDT-preventive behaviours. In order for the tool to be reliable, a pilot study took place including a random sample (n=60) of women aged 18-65 years. The final questionnaire was included some introductive items concerning demographics, gynecologic conditions history, preventive examinations for HPV, cervical and breast cancer, and was followed by the main part that included 11 items. Results: All items had high (>0.90) test-retest reliability, while the average reliability was r=0.92 (p<0.001). In order for the structural validity to be assessed, a factor analysis took place. The Kaiser – Meyer - Olkin (KMO) test was used for the sampling adequacy and it was found to be 0.73. The SPSS 17.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Conclusions: After the questionnaire was assessed, it was found that it had adequate validity and reliability, the items were understandable, and it required minimum time to be completed; those factors mean that it can be easily used on a larger sample of Greek women.