Adaptation and psychometric validation of the Turkish version of the Grief Support in Healthcare Scale: a methodological study

Abstract

The study aimed to adapt the Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS) for use in the Turkish context and evaluate its psychometric properties among nurses. Design This study is a methodological study. Setting This study was conducted in Turkey. Participants The pilot study included 30 nurses for preliminary testing and test-retest reliability. The main study comprised a convenience sample of 355 nurses. Outcome measures Content validity was evaluated by a panel of experts using the Content Validity Index (CVIs). Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s α and split-half reliability, while convergent validity was tested via correlations with the Professional Bereavement Scale (PBS). Results CVIs were strong (Item-Level Content Validity Index=0.99; Scale-Level Content Validity Index=0.94). EFA identified a three-factor structure explaining 58.33% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the three-factor model (χ 2 (83) = 338.204, χ 2 /df=4.075, root mean square error of approximation=0.093, Goodness of Fit Index=0.892, Comparative Fit Index=0.922, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.901, Incremental Fit Index=0.923, Normed Fit Index=0.900). Cronbach’s α was 0.888 for the total scale. All subdimensions showed significant positive correlations with PBS-Short-term Bereavement Reactions Subscale (r=0.176–0.401). Conclusion The Turkish version of the GSHCS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing nurses’ perceptions of grief support in healthcare settings. The scale retains its conceptual structure and demonstrates sound psychometric properties, making it suitable for clinical research and organisational assessments in Turkey.