Validity and reliability of psychosocial factors related to breast cancer screening

Jane G. Zapka, University of Massachusetts Medical School
D. R. Harris
Anne M. Stoddard
Mary E. Costanza, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

This research explored the construct validity of hypothesized survey items and data reduction procedures for selected psychosocial constructs which are frequently used in breast cancer screening research. Factor analysis was used to validate relationships between survey items and hypothesized constructs suggested by several theories of behavior change. These constructs included perceived barriers and benefits of breast cancer screening compliance behavior. Reliability analyses were then used to evaluate the consistency of the resultant scales applied across three data sets, resulting from surveys conducted by two different methods (telephone and in-person interview) over three time periods. These analyses found reliability coefficients ranging from .53 to .69.