Development of the Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Incarcerated Patients Scale: A Psychometric Study

Abstract

Aim

To develop an original scale to measure nurses’ attitudes toward incarcerated patients and assess its psychometric properties.

Methods

This study employed a psychometric testing approach involving test–retest design. The sample size was determined based on the rule of selecting a sample 5 to 10 times the number of scale items. The study included 672 nurses. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form and the Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Incarcerated Patients Scale. Content validity was determined using the Lawshe technique. Construct validity was examined through exploratory (n1  =  336) and confirmatory factor analysis (n2  =  336). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Temporal stability was evaluated through the test–retest method conducted four weeks later (n  =  32).

Results

The scale consists of 12 items and was categorized into three factors—discriminatory attitudes, emotional discomfort, and patient equality—accounting for 67.6% of the variance. Items with factor loadings between 0.69 and 0.85 supported the scale's validity. The fit indices from confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable model fit. Internal consistency was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.84. Test–retest reliability analysis showed moderate, significant correlations among subdimensions.

Conclusion

The scale is valid and reliable in assessing nurses’ attitudes toward incarcerated patients. Future research should test its applicability across diverse cultural and geographical contexts to enhance generalizability.

Implications for Nursing Policy

This study underscores the need for policies addressing nurses’ attitudes toward incarcerated patients. The developed scale may support the identification of biases and emotional discomfort, guiding targeted education and institutional interventions to promote equitable, ethical, and nonjudgmental healthcare practices.