Turkish validity and reliability study of the Infection Prevention Behavior Scale of Individuals (IPBS-I)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Infection Prevention Behavior Scale of Individuals (IPBS-I) among Turkish individuals. Materials and Methods: This was a methodological validity and reliability study. A total of 309 individuals between the ages of 18-65 who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The IPBS-I was translated into Turkish using the translation-back-translation technique. Data were collected via the Personal Information Form (PIF), Turkish version of the IPBS-I (IPBS-I-TR), and Protective Behaviors Towards COVID-19 Scale (PBCS). Two weeks later, IPBS-I-TR evaluation was repeated. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed for construct validity, and the PBCS was applied for criterion validity. Its reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, item analysis, and test-retest reliability. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: In total, 309 individuals (183 women and 126 men) were enrolled in the study. The mean IPBS-I-TR was 4.09±0.64. The CFA results revealed ᵡ2=167.12, SD=51, and p=0.0001. It was determined that x²/SD was 3.277 in the model and that the model was compatible. The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (S-RMR)=0.051, Comparative Fit Index (CFI)=0.929, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI)=0.917, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA)=0.086 were determined to be within the acceptable range. The CFA supported the three-factor structure of the scale. The correlation coefficient with the PBCS was 0.639, confirming the criterion validity of the scale. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the entire scale and three subscales (“Blocking the Pathogen,” “Blocking Transmission,” and “Improving Immunity”) were 0.832, 0.826, and 0.725, respectively. The test-retest reliability of the entire scale and the three subscales was excellent (>0.80). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the IPBS-I was confirmed to have good reliability and validity for evaluating infection-prevention behaviors in Turkish society.