Validity and Reliability Study of the Second-Hand Smoking Knowledge Test.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure presents considerable public health challenges.
• Limited validated instruments exist to assess public knowledge regarding SHS risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Second-Hand Smoking Knowledge Test (SHS-KT) within the Turkish population.
• To establish a psychometrically sound tool for measuring SHS knowledge in Turkey.

Main Methods:

• A methodological study design was implemented with a sample of 368 adult participants.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, content validity index, Cronbach's alpha, and exploratory/confirmatory factor analyses.

Main Results:

• The final 13-item SHS-KT demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .749).
• Factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure: awareness, health effects, passive exposure, and smoking/non-smoking areas.
• Model fit indices supported the proposed four-factor structure, indicating good construct validity.

Conclusions:

• The Second-Hand Smoking Knowledge Test is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge about SHS in Turkey.
• This validated tool can aid in evaluating public awareness and informing targeted health interventions.