Development of a Questionnaire to Evaluate Attributes, Competencies, Needs, and Challenges in the Career Development of Dental Academics.

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to ascertain the attributes, competencies, needs, and challenges encountered by dental academics in their career development.

Methods: A questionnaire was adopted and modified, incorporating items derived from comprehensive literature review and aligned with the components of the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Validation of the questionnaire was conducted using the Content Validity Index (CVI), analyzed by the Cohen's kappa coefficient, and evaluated by a panel of seven experts. Reliability analysis was statistically performed utilizing measures such as Cronbach's alpha (α), standard deviation (S), inter-item correlation (r), and corrected item-total correlation (CITC).

Results: The initial questionnaire comprised of 36 questions encompassing 219 response items. Following analysis, six items were removed due to their CVI score of ≤0.83, while nine items were merged based on experts' feedback. This resulted in the final version consisting of 35 questions encompassing 202 response items. Further reliability analysis based on pilot testing demonstrated that all items in the questionnaire attained a Cronbach's alpha score surpassing 0.9, indicating a high level of internal consistency. The items also fulfilled all other reliability requirements with S > 0, 0.3 > r < 0.9, and CITC > 0.3.

Conclusion: The finalized questionnaire has been confirmed as valid and reliable, thus establishing its suitability for measuring the attributes, competencies, needs, and challenges experienced by dental academics in their career development.