Development and Validation of a Knowledge Scale for Patients with Breast Cancer (KS-Br)

Lee, Keon Suk; Lee, Ran; Kim, Soo Hyun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was the development and validation of knowledge scale for patients with breast cancer (KS-Br) in Korea.
METHODS
The process included the construction of a conceptual framework, generation of preliminary items, and the test of validity and reliability of the scale. Thirty-seven items were developed through an evaluation process by 10 experts and 24 items were finally confirmed through item analysis. Psychometric testing was performed with a convenient sample of 303 women with breast cancer. The data was analyzed using independent t-test, Pearson's correlation, and calculation of KR-20.
RESULTS
Participants averaged 70.8% correct on the test. The KS-Br has 24 items consisting of 5 categories: incidence of breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment, symptom management, sexuality, and maintenance of daily life. Validity was supported by the use of content validity, known-group technique, and criterion-related validity. Women who had undergone education intervention scored significantly higher than women who had not (p<.001). KS-Br scores were significantly correlated with those of Mishel's Illness Uncertainty Scale (r=-.214, p<.001). Internal consistency of the KS-Br was appropriate (KR20=.805).
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that the KS-Br is reliable and valid scale to measure the knowledge of breast cancer. Therefore, this scale can be effectively utilized to assess the knowledge of patients with breast cancer regarding their disease.