Adaptation and validation of a scale to measure self-efficacy for health practices in adolescents

Adolescents face significant challenges to healthy development. A key step in designing effective health education programs for adolescents is the ability to assess and identify individual needs in a particular area of health. This cross-sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of an adapted self-report measure assessing self-efficacy for health practices among adolescents, the Self-Efficacy for Health Practices Scale (SEHPS).

Items for the SEHPS were adapted from a measure designed for adults, the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale. Items were adapted for use with adolescents, and additional items were created to measure another dimension of health not included in the adult scale. 438 adolescents from three school districts in west Texas completed the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using principal axis factor analysis with oblique rotation to analyze the factor structure of the SEHPS. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to confirm the factor structure identified by the EFA. Reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity analyses were also performed.

The analysis supported a five-factor solution measuring psychological well-being, nutrition, exercise, health practices, and physical safety. Combined, the five factors explained 62.7 % of the variance. Results from the CFA indicated a good model fit and satisfactory reliability, as well as convergent and discriminant validity.

Results suggest that the scale is a valid and reliable instrument to assess adolescents' self-efficacy beliefs to implement health practices. The SEHPS is a valuable tool for nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking to design, implement, and evaluate health-focused interventions for adolescents.