Psychometric Properties of an Arabic Safety Attitude Questionnaire (Short Form 2006)

There is a widespread interest in exploring healthcare providers' attitudes and perceptions about patient safety culture. This study was done to determine the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) in Palestinian hospitals.

This was a methodological study and the SAQ was translated into Arabic using the forward-backward translation technique. Four Ministry of Health hospitals in the Gaza Strip were randomly selected, and proportionate systematic sampling was followed to select the participants. Questionnaires were distributed to 370 physicians and nurses. Face and content validity were tested, and the content validity index was determined using the average approach. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha, split-half reliability, and intercorrelation between the questionnaire scales. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

A total of 339 questionnaires were received, giving a response rate of 91.6%. Questionnaire acceptability was good and relevant to the study purpose. Cronbach's alpha value was 77.7 (74.7-82.2). Goodness of fit indices from the confirmatory factor analysis showed a satisfactory model fit: comparative fit of indices (CFI = 0.797), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = 0.085), and standardized root square residual (SRMR = 0.074). Factor analysis with varimax rotation revealed that six factors explained 62.3% of the variance.

The Arabic version of SAQ (short form 2006) is valid and reliable, and shows a satisfactory model of fit. This instrument shows promise to be a sound tool to assess the safety culture in Palestinian hospitals.