The Development of a General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale Using the Health Belief Model as a Theoretical Framework

Authors : Ebru INAL, Kerim Hakan ALTİNTAS, Nuri DOGAN

Pages : 146-158

Doi:10.21449/ijate.366825

View : 17 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2018-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The Health Belief Model insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HBM); is one of the oldest and most recognized conceptual framework of health behavior and can be applied to disaster preparedness efforts which focus predominantly on human behavior. The study aims to develop and test the psychometric properties of the General Disaster Preparedness Belief insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GDPB); scale based on the HBM. A study group of 286 academic and administrative staff working in a Turkish University located in the city of Yalova completed a GDPB scale instrument containing 60 items. Exploratory Factor Analyses insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EFA); was used for the construct validity of scale. Item analysis was assessed using item–total correlations and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. The EFA extracted six factors that jointly accounted for 59.2% of variance observed namely; Self efficacy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(8 items);, Cues to action insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5 items);, perceived susceptibility insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(6 items);, perceived barriers insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(6 items);, perceived benefits insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3 items); and perceived severity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3 items);. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the subscales ranged from 0.90 to 0.74. The GDPB scale based on the HBM was found to be a valid and reliable tool. Findings from this study can be used to guide intervention aimed at informing and educating people about disaster preparedness.  
Keywords : Disaster preparedness beliefs, Health Belief Model, Reliability and validity, Scale development