Learning Objectives: describe the process of developing a valid and reliable tobacco assessment tool
Abstract: Problem: Although there is a body of information on physicians' tobacco education and smoking cessation practices, standard procedures for collecting data present several methodological challenges. These include the use of survey instruments that have not undergone the necessary processes to demonstrate their validity and reliability. The use of such instruments may compromise the internal validity and results of an investigation. The objective of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the tobacco related practices of Latino physicians. The developed survey consists of 50 items, including the following sections and theoretical constructs: demographics, tobacco-related intervention activities, self-efficacy, attitudes/responsibility, and knowledge and skills. Method: Qualitative and quantitative approaches were combined for developing the survey, including conducting personal interviews, receiving feedback from a panel of experts, piloting the survey, and conducting psychometric tests.
Results: The developed instrument demonstrated acceptable validity, as well as stability (Pearson correlations ³.75) and internal consistency (Cronbach alphas ³.67).
Conclusions: The instrument constitutes a recommendable resource for assessing the tobacco-related practices of Latino physicians, and for developing interventions for improving their practice.
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