Methodological study on the evaluation of face mask use scale among public adult: Cross-language and psychometric testing

Purpose: This study aimed to establish the translation adequacy and examine the psychometric properties of Face Mask Use Scale (FMUS). Methods: This methodological study employed a cross-sectional design with repeated measures. Phase 1 examined the equivalence and relevance of English and Chinese versions of FMUS. Phase 2 examined the internal consistency, stability and construct validity. Different sample batches (213 university students and 971 general public) were used appropriately for psychometric testing. The 2-phase data were collected between January and April 2017. Results: In Phase 1, the semantic equivalence and relevance (item- and scale-level content-validity-index=100%) was satisfactory. Furthermore, from 133 paired test-retest responses, the quadratic weighted kappa (.53~.73, p<.001) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC=.81) between the English and Chinese version of FMUS were satisfactory. In Phase 2, FMUS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.80~.81; corrected item-total correlation coefficients=.46~.67) and two-week test-retest stability (ICC=.84). The known-groups method (t=3.08, p<.001), exploratory (71.10% of total variance in two-factor model) and confirmatory factory analysis (x²/df=4.02, Root Mean Square Residual=.03, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=.06, Goodness of Fit Index=.99, Comparative Fit Index=.99) were all satisfactory for establishing the construct validity. Conclusion: The FMUS has an equivalence Chinese and English versions, satisfactory reliability and validity for measuring the practice of face mask use. This poses clinical and research implications for those community health nurses who works on respiratory protection. Further research should be conducted on the 'negligent practice' of FMU.