Modified Research Utilization Questionnaire: Development and Validation Study among Italian Nurses.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Psychometrics
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Research utilization is crucial for evidence-based nursing practice.
• Existing tools may require adaptation for specific linguistic and cultural contexts.
• Assessing research utilization effectively is key to improving patient care outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the Modified Research Utilization Questionnaire (M-RUQ) for Italian nurses.
• To establish the content, face, construct validity, and reliability of the M-RUQ.
• To provide a validated instrument for measuring research utilization in nursing.

Main Methods:

• A multiphase, methodological, cross-sectional study involving translation and adaptation of the Research Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ).
• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to assess construct validity.
• Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest stability.

Main Results:

• The M-RUQ has a three-dimensional structure with 22 items.
• Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the factorial structure with adequate goodness of fit.
• The M-RUQ demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and good test-retest stability.

Conclusions:

• The M-RUQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing research utilization among nurses.
• The M-RUQ can be utilized for educational and research purposes to enhance nursing practice.
• Further research is recommended to explore the M-RUQ's validity and reliability in diverse settings.