Assessing the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of an evidence-based practice knowledge, attitudes, understanding, and behavior scale: A methodological study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to adapt and validate a scale measuring evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge, attitudes, understanding, and behavior for Turkish health sciences students. Method: This methodological study was conducted with 382 health sciences students between May and September 2024. The translation process was carried out using forward and back translations, followed by expert review. Content validity was evaluated by eight experts using the content validity index (CVI), and construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed using internal consistency and split-half reliability. Results: The scale demonstrated high content validity, with the item-level CVI scores ranging from 0.85 to 1.00 and the overall scale CVI of 0.90. EFA identified five factors explaining 66.26% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the factor structure, with fit indices (chi 2/df=2.4, RMSEA =0.061, CFI =0.918, TLI =0.911) meeting acceptable thresholds. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.888, indicating strong internal consistency. Subscales with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.764 to 0.945 demonstrated good reliability. Conclusion: The EBP scale was valid and reliable for assessing health sciences students' EBP and evidence-informed practice competencies in Turkish. This tool supports the development of evidence-informed care among health sciences students.