Design and psychometric evaluation of nurses' social health tool

Given the impact of nurses' social health on the quality of care, its evaluation is essential. To evaluate social health, we need a specific and appropriate tool. The aim of this study was to design and psychometrically evaluate a social health tool for nurses.

This exploratory mixed-method study was conducted in 2024 in Kashan, Iran. The initial version of the tool was designed based on a qualitative study. Face and content validity were assessed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The construct validity of the tool was assessed using exploratory factor analysis on 300 nurses. Reliability was assessed through using internal consistency, stability, and ceiling and floor effects. The Keyes Social Health Scale was used to assess convergent validity. Eigenvalues > 1 and scree plot were used to extract the factors. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 26 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) using exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

The final form of the Nurses' Social Health Questionnaire had 47 items. Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors that were able to explain 48.445% of the total variance of the tool score. Cronbach's alpha and omega coefficients were 0.764 and 0.806, respectively. The ICC, standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable change coefficients were estimated to be 0.976, 3.767, and 5.379, respectively. The frequency of the minimum and maximum possible scores obtained by the tool was zero. There was no statistically significant relationship with the Keyes scale.

The 47-item questionnaire was designed to be a valid and reliable tool for measuring the social health of nurses. The results of this study can be used for decision making and planning in the area of social health for nurses.