Psychometric Evaluation of Iranian Version of Beliefs about Third-Hand Smoke Scale (BATHS-T) in Pregnant Women.

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to third-hand smoke (THS) is hazardous for human health, especially for pregnant women. This study aimed at psychometric evaluation of the Iranian version of "Beliefs about Third-Hand Smoke Scale" (BATHS-T) in pregnant women.

Aims & methods: The data collected from 364 pregnant women referring to Yazd health centers. The BATHS scale was translated into Persian, and the stages of adaptation of the BATHS scale in Persian were evaluated with CVR=0.87 and CVI=0.88. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to analyze the construct validity of the scale. Besides, the correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation of categories and subcategories of the scale.

Results: The BATHS structural equation model showed a favorable fit as RMSEA value was less than 0.05 and X²/df varied between 2 to 5. Moreover, other indices such as CFI and NFI were more than 90%, indicating the optimal fit of the present model. The correlation between the overall scale of BATHS and its two subcategories was 0.843 (p < 0.001) and the correlation between health and stability subcategories was 0.886 (p < 0.001). Since there was a positive and highly significant correlation, the fitted BATHS scale was considered to be structurally consistent with its subcategories. The reliability of the whole scale was 0.86 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Conclusion: The Iranian version of the BATHS scale is reliable and valid. This scale provides the required prerequisites for further research and education on third hand smoke exposure. It can also be possibly used in similar studies.

Implications: The BATHS scale has innovative aspects based on the real beliefs of participants concerning third-hand smoke. The favorable validity and reliability of the scale makes it possible to use it in similar studies. Hence, a reliable scale of THS beliefs may be a criterion for measuring the desire to reduce exposure to SHS and THS at homes or other private spaces such as cars. Additionally, examining the results among different populations may be useful in identifying high-risk groups to ward off exposure to THS, and groups that are likely to respond positively to interventions that emphasize THS damage.