Breast Cancer Perception Scale: Psychometric Development Study

Abstract

Objective: The Breast Cancer Perception Scale was developed using a well-supported theory, thought to be associated with breast cancer prevention behaviors. The aim of this study is to develop the Breast Cancer Perception Scale based on the Health Belief Model and conduct psychometric analysis.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted with women aged 20 or above with a methodological design. The scale study was conducted with 572 women who were not diagnosed with breast cancer and willing to participate in the study.

Results: The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale is made up of six sub-dimensions (perceived knowledge, perceived treatment belief, the perceived need for a health check, perceived stigma, perceived fear, perceived risk) and 24 items, which explain the 74.36% of the total variance. The model obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis was within the limits of the acceptable fit index and factor loads between 0.655 and 0.998. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale sub-dimensions was determined as 0.815-0.950.

Conclusion: The overall psychometric evaluation results of the Breast Cancer Perception Scale found it to be a valid and reliable instrument that can be associated with multi-dimensional cases, such as healthy life behaviors in women, breast cancer diagnostic behaviors, family history, traumatic experiences regarding breast cancer, and the level of breast cancer knowledge.

Keywords: Breast cancer; perception; reliability; validity.