Asthma self-efficacy scale for teachers: psychometric properties of the Turkish version

Asthma is common among Turkish schoolchildren, and teachers thus have considerable responsibility for asthma management in schools. However, there is no valid and reliable instrument to evaluate teachers' asthma management self-efficacy in schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Asthma Self-Efficacy Scale (ASE-T) among elementary school teachers.

This methodological study included 216 elementary school teachers. The reliability of the ASE-T was expressed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and item-total score correlations. The validity of the scale was examined via confirmatory factor analysis, item analysis, and the content validity index.

The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.70, and the item-total score correlations ranged between 0.24 and 0.57. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis determined the model fit indices to be χ²/df = 1.461, RMSEA = 0.046, GFI = 0.94, AGFI = 0.91, NNFI = 0.98, and CFI = 0.92. The item analysis results revealed the differences between teachers with low and high levels of self-efficacy.

The results indicated the usefulness of the ASE-T for Turkish teachers. It is essential to determine teachers' competence in asthma management in order to improve their performance in school settings.