Translation, cross cultural validity, reliability and psychometric properties of the moral sensitivity questionnaire for use in Arab countries

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Hala M Bayoumy, Jehad O Halabi and Ola M Esheba

Cairo University, Egypt
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, KSA
Alexandria University, Egypt

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

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Background & Aim: Moral sensitivity is a core element of decision-making process among nurses working in clinical settings. It is necessary to understand the existing level of moral sensitivity among health professionals. Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire is developed within the context of western culture and no publications are located using this questionnaire among Arabic nurses in general, and Saudi nurses in particular. Methods: Current study explored psychometric properties of the Arabic version of moral sensitivity questionnaire using a sample of 338 Saudi nursing students. The tool was translated into Arabic using translation-back-translation and bilingual technique. Pilot testing revealed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.73. In addition, factor and item analyses were carried out to confirm the psychometric properties of the Arabic version using principal component analysis. Results: The questionnaire revealed good internal consistency with Cronbach α values for total scale of 0.82. The Arabic version achieved item-total correlation values ranging from 0.19 to 0.44. A seven-factor structure was illustrated by exploratory factor analysis. Conclusion: On the basis of study results, the questionnaire showed strong psychometric properties among Saudi students. Assessment of moral sensitivity among Arab nurses using the translated questionnaire is therefore required for ensuring their professional ethical conduct and identifying areas for future professional development.

Biography

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