[Validation of a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare approaches to female genital mutilation among nursing students: A pilot study].

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to develop and validate a self-administered questionnaire to comprehensively assess knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare approaches to female genital mutilation among nursing students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with third-year nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Murcia (Cartagena campus, Spain), using convenience sampling. The questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review of existing instruments assessing knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare practices related to female genital mutilation. An expert panel individually reviewed the content, and through consensus discussions with the authors, determined which items to include. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (a).

Results: Thirty-seven students participated in the study, 89.2% of whom were females, with ages ranging from 20 to 56 years. About 27% reported no prior professional healthcare experience. The questionnaire comprised 15 single- and multiple-choice questions organized into three dimensions: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Health Approach to female genital mutilation. The overall internal consistency was good with a global a=0.838 (95% CI: 31.00-35.59).

Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that this questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing nursing student´s knowledge of female genital mutilation, their attitudes towards it, and knowledge about its clinical approach.