Psychometric Testing of the Revised Oncology Nurses Health Behaviors Determinants Scale

Chemotherapy exposure is an occupational risk that affects oncology nurses and is linked to several negative health consequences. Oncology nurses' adherence to chemotherapy handling guidelines is critical to protect themselves from this hazardous drug exposure. Several personal and workplace-related factors affect nurses' adherence to these guidelines.

The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the revised Oncology Nurses Health Behaviors Determinants Scale (HBDS-ON) that measures factors affecting nurses' adherence to chemotherapy handling guidelines.

A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. One hundred twenty-three oncology nurses were recruited through convenience sampling from 2 hospital settings in the Midwest United States and through social media. Participants completed 3 online surveys: (1) the Revised Hazardous Drugs Handling Questionnaire, (2) the revised HBDS-ON, and (3) a demographic questionnaire.

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a conceptually reasonable 7-subscale structure of the revised HBDS-ON. The psychometric properties of the scale were supported by convergence validity, regression model testing, and internal consistency reliability. Oncology nurses reported adherence to chemotherapy handling guidelines 55% of the time. The cues to action in the workplace, nurses' perceived barriers, institutional response to chemotherapy exposure incidents, and personal protective equipment availability and accessibility were associated with oncology nurses' adherence to chemotherapy handling guidelines.

The revised HBDS-ON demonstrates reliability and validity and can be used to measure factors at workplace and personal levels that affect nurses' adherence to chemotherapy handling guidelines.