Elaboration and validation of the Brazilian Scale of Perception about Euthanasia

Abstract

This research elaborated an instrument to identify nurses’ perception on euthanasia and test its content validity, response process, internal structure and reliability evidences. A psychometric study was conducted through evaluation by a committee of judges, pre-test, and validation. The latter step included 821 nurses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. A total of 55 items were elaborated based on a literature review. After review by judges and applying the suggested changes, all items showed agreement above 80% between evaluators. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a satisfactory fit of a two-dimensional model and good reliability indices (α=0.85; Ω=0.89). The 12-item scale showed good validity and reliability evidences, and can be used to measure nurses’ perception on euthanasia.