Chinese version of the nursing information literacy scale: translation, cultural adaptation, and validation

With the rapid development of information technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and 5G driving nursing excellence, there is a need for a validated tool to assess the information literacy of nurses. Information literacy refers to an individual's ability to access, evaluate, utilize, and create information.

To translate, culturally adapt, and assess the reliability and validity of the Nursing Information Literacy Scale (NILS).

We followed the Brislin translation guidelines for scale translation, which include four standardized steps: forward translation, synthesis and back-translation, expert review, and pilot testing. A total of 493 clinical nurses from Changsha, China, were recruited. The full sample of 493 nurses was used for item analysis. Using simple random sampling, the participants were divided into Sample 1 (n = 246) and Sample 2 (n = 247) for exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively, to assess structural validity. Content validity was evaluated by an expert panel, including the item-content validity index (I-CVI) and the scale-content validity index (S-CVI/Ave). Internal consistency reliability was examined using the entire sample of 493 nurses. For test-retest reliability, 30 nurses were randomly selected from the total sample and retested after a two-week interval, assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Convergent validity was assessed against the Information Literacy Questionnaire (ILQ).

The scale consisted of 7 dimensions with 27 items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 7-factor structure, which collectively accounted for 71.979% of the total variance. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0.900, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ² = 3527.479, P < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model with good fit indices: χ²/df = 0.933; CFI = 1.000; TLI = 1.007; RMSEA = 0.000; SRMR = 0.033. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.927, and the range of Cronbach's alpha values for each dimension was 0.781-0.898; the retest reliability (ICC) was 0.852. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.83 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.994. The convergent validity coefficient, calculated against the ILQ, was r = 0.772.

The Chinese version of the Nursing Information Literacy Scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties, including good reliability, content validity, construct validity, and convergent validity. Its clear structure, simple language, and appropriate length make it a valid and reliable tool for assessing the nursing information literacy of clinical nurses in China. It is recommended for use in both clinical practice and future research to identify training needs and evaluate the effectiveness of information literacy education programs.

Not applicable.