Validation of the short index of job satisfaction in Chinese nurses: classical test theory and item response theory

Background

The Short Index of Job Satisfaction (SIJS) has demonstrated favorable psychometric properties and has been utilized across diverse cultural contexts. However, no studies adapting the SIJS to China were found. The Chinese version of the SIJS can contribute to a cross-cultural understanding of job satisfaction and provide valuable insight into cross-cultural differences. Purpose. To assess the psychometric properties of the SIJS among Chinese nurse, both classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) were used.

Methods

The translation procedure followed the guidelines of the World Health Organization. A convenience sampling approach was used to obtain 636 valid questionnaires. The data collected were evenly partitioned into two equal segments, with one portion allocated for CTT analysis and the other for IRT analysis.

Results

According to classical test theory, the content validity (S-CVI = 0.98), construct validity (AVE = 0.50), and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.76, McDonald's Omega = 0.80) of the SIJS were good. Rasch analysis indicated acceptable item fit (MnSq indices ranging from 0.767 to 1.406 for the INFIT and OUTFIT corresponding to all response categories), item discrimination (p values ranging from 0.060 to 0.831), and item reliability (person separation reliability = 0.708).

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate the favorable reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the SIJS when applied to nurses, as evidenced by both CTT and IRT analyses. By assessing job satisfaction levels using the SIJS, nursing managers can identify employees who may be at risk of burnout or dissatisfaction, allowing them to take appropriate actions to mitigate these issues and promote a positive work environment.