Purpose
This study aimed to develop and examine the validity and reliability of a self-efficacy scale for preventive health management related to premature labor (PHMSE-PL) for women of childbearing age.
Methods
Instrument development and validation were undertaken in three steps: conceptualization through a literature review and in-depth interviews, item generation and evaluation of content validity, and evaluation of construct validity and reliability. The content validity, factorial structure validity, and internal consistency reliability of the PHMSE-PL were evaluated, and cognitive interviewing was undertaken. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's α, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The content validity was assessed by experts and was strengthened through cognitive interviews with women of childbearing age. The PHMSE-PL comprised 34 items across five factors. The construct validity of the PHMSE-PL was supported. Cronbach's α for the total scale was .97 (95% CI=.96-.97).
Conclusion
An evaluation of the psychometric properties of the PHMSE-PL scale found it to be a valid and reliable tool for women of childbearing age. The scale appears to be useful for women of childbearing age to self-assess their preventive health management self-efficacy related to premature labor and for health professionals to evaluate and promote women's preventive health management.

Citations

• The preventive health management self‐efficacy related to preterm labor scale in reproductive‐aged women: Validation of Turkish reliability and factor structure
  Ebru Cirban‐Ekrem, Zeynep Daşıkan, Şenay Ünsal‐Atan
  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.2024; 50(12): 2309.     CrossRef
• Development and effects of a webtoon education program on preventive self-management related to premature labor for women of childbearing age: a randomized controlled trial
  Sun-Hee Kim
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2022; 28(3): 250.     CrossRef