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Translation of the Medical Fear Survey to Serbian: psychometric properties

J Djokovic1, B Milovanovic1, J R Milovanovic1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.

Hippokratia
|November 30, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The Serbian version of the Medical Fear Survey (MFS) demonstrates strong psychometric properties, mirroring the original English scale. This validated instrument is suitable for assessing medical fears in Serbian populations.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Medical Psychology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • The Medical Fear Survey (MFS) is a key instrument for quantifying fear related to medical treatments.
  • Fear of medical procedures and related stimuli is a significant factor impacting healthcare engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To translate the Medical Fear Survey (MFS) into Serbian.
  • To evaluate the psychometric properties and validate the Serbian version of the MFS.
  • To assess its utility in the Serbian socio-cultural context.

Main Methods:

  • The MFS underwent a rigorous translation process adhering to International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines.
  • Psychometric evaluation involved reliability testing, factorial analysis, and concurrent validation.
  • Data were collected from 485 medical and pharmacy students at the University of Kragujevac, Serbia.

Main Results:

  • The Serbian MFS exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.968) and excellent temporal stability (ICC = 0.877).
  • Factorial analysis confirmed the original five-factor structure: fear of mutilated bodies, blood, injections/blood draws, sharp objects, and medical examinations/symptoms.
  • Significant correlations were observed between the MFS total score and scores on related scales, including the Injection Phobia Scale-Anxiety and Blood/Injection Fear Scale.

Conclusions:

  • The 50-item Serbian MFS possesses robust psychometric properties comparable to the original English version.
  • The scale maintains the same factorial structure, confirming its validity.
  • The Serbian MFS is a reliable tool for measuring fear of medical and related treatments in Serbia, suitable for self-administration.
Keywords:
Medical Fear SurveySerbiantranscultural validationtranslation

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