The development of the developmental dysplasia of the hip awareness scale and examination of its psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop the "Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Awareness Scale (DDHAS) and assess its psychometric properties.

METHOD: The methodological study included mothers (n = 400) with infants aged 0-2 months. Data were collected using a socio-demographic information form and the draft of the DDHAS. Factor analysis and reliability analyses were performed to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and IBM SPSS AMOS 23.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the scale revealed a structure consisting of 24 items and three sub-dimensions. The factor loadings of the scale were found to be above 0.40. Following CFA, the fit indices were at adequate levels. The Cronbach's alpha for the entire scale was 0.878, while the values for the sub-dimensions ranged from 0.850 to 0.913, indicating good internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings obtained, the DDHAS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and may be used as a measurement instrument to assess the level of awareness of developmental dysplasia of the hip among mothers with infants aged 0-2 months.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Midwives and nurses can use the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Awareness Scale in their clinical practice and training to assess mothers' awareness of developmental dysplasia of the hip. It is also recommended that the scale be adapted and validated for use in different cultural contexts.