Stability of questionnaire items measuring behaviours, attitudes and stages of change related to sun exposure

Abstract

The use of questionnaires in epidemiological studies needs more methodological research. The time and effort spent on questionnaire design is often limited. Studies on the construction of questionnaires could lead to a higher quality of data, enhanced comparability and improved credibility of epidemiological findings. The aim of the present study was to examine the test-retest reliability of some common items measuring sun-related variables. A sample of 52 female Swedish nurses attending a postgraduate course in research methodology was chosen. They completed a questionnaire on two occasions spaced 3 weeks apart in the winter of 2000. When the results were analysed, items on sun-related behaviours and sunbed use were sufficiently reliable. The items on skin type and sunburn showed moderate stability. Stage of change related to sunlight exposure, items measuring beliefs about sunbathing along with items assessing self-efficacy and risk perception with regards to sunbathing showed lower stability. The results showed that many essential items concerning exposure to ultraviolet radiation and sunburns were sufficiently stable, but other items were less stable and could be improved upon; suggestions for improving these items are presented. The study illustrates the value of reliability testing in the process of item construction. Using methodological studies to improve the reliability and validity of data is an important step toward higher standards for questionnaire surveys.

Ultraviolet Protection Behaviors and Beliefs Among Young Adult Dermatology Patients

“…In addition to analyzing each item individually, these five items were averaged into a single scale score (range = 1Y5), with higher scores indicating more readiness to use UV protection behaviors. In prior research on skin cancer prevention, similar items have been demonstrated to be sensitive to expected differences between subgroups (Branstrom, Kristjansson, Ullen, & Brandberg, 2002;Kristjansson, Helgason, ManssonBrahme, Widlund-Ivarson, & Ullen, 2003b;Kristjansson, Helgason, Rosdahl, Holm, & Ullen, 2001). The internal consistency of the items used in this study was supported by a Cronbach's alpha value of .71.…”

“…Response options for each question were on a 5-point Likert-scale. In prior research, similar items were found to be moderately reliable in testYretest analysis (kappa coefficients .50 and .56; Branstrom et al, 2002). The last two items were adapted from research by Kristjansson et al (2001).…”

Validity and Reliability of Adult Recall of Past Sun Exposure in a Case-Control Study of Multiple Sclerosis

“…Unadjusted odds ratios and 95% CI for higher (z2-3 hours daily on average) sun exposure in summer on weekends and holidays estimated by a lifetime calendar at each year of age between 6 and 20 years, at their current age, and at 1, 2, and 3 years before their current age and estimated by questionnaire for the age spans 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, 16 to 20 years, and in the last 3 years. recall of childhood/adolescent sun exposure was lower than that for some (but not all) questions on skin phenotype (33)(34)(35)(36), a factor that does not change by stage of life, season, or weather. The reproducibility of recall of sun exposure was not influenced by factors, such as level of education, age, sex, casecontrol status, type of multiple sclerosis, disease duration, or disability level.…”

Campaña de prevención y detección de cáncer cutáneo en campos de golf de la Costa del Sol

“…1) 20,22,23 . El cuestionario utilizado fue un cuestionario de fotoprotección («cuestionario a pie de playa»), ya previamente validado 22 , basado en cuestionarios sobre hábitos, actitudes y comportamientos frente al sol, que fue modificado (con el permiso de sus autores) para ser adaptado al golf.…”