Validation of the Spanish Version of the Mammography-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale

To consider psychometric estimates of the validity and reliability of the Spanish translation of a mammography-specific self-efficacy scale.

A cross-sectional study.

Three primarily Hispanic churches and a Hispanic community center in a low-income urban area of New Jersey.

153 low-income Hispanic women aged 40-85 years.

The translated scale was administered to participants during a six-month period. Internal consistency, reliability, and construct and predictive validity were assessed.

Demographic variables included income and insurance status. Outcome variables included total mammography-specific self-efficacy and having had a mammogram within the past two years.

Preliminary evidence of reliability and validity were found, and predictive validity was demonstrated.

The health needs of specific populations can be addressed only when research instruments have been appropriately validated and all relevant factors are considered. Diverse groups of low-income women face similar challenges and barriers in their efforts to get screened.

Nurses are in an ideal position to help women with preventive care decision making (e.g., screening for breast cancer). Understanding how a woman's level of self-efficacy affects her decision making should be considered when counseling a client.