Development and validation of the health literacy scale for cancer patients

Rangsan Chaikham*; Laddawan Vonk; Thanee Khamchai; Chanpen Ung-Umrung; Chotnarin Chaiyarin

Authors

Rangsan Chaikham* Nursing Division, Chonburi Cancer Hospital
Laddawan Vonk Nursing Division, Chonburi Cancer Hospital
Thanee Khamchai Nursing Division, Chonburi Cancer Hospital
Chanpen Ung-Umrung Nursing Division, Chonburi Cancer Hospital
Chotnarin Chaiyarin Nursing Division, Chonburi Cancer Hospital

Keywords:

Measurement tool, Health literacy, Cancer patients

Abstract

Health literacy is a factor influencing health behavior changes and quality of life in cancer patients. Therefore, a quality measurement tool is crucial for evaluating and determining health promotion guidelines. This research aimed to develop and validate a health literacy scale for cancer patients using research and development methodology. The sample consisted of 400 cancer patients of all types receiving treatment at seven regional cancer hospitals, selected via simple random sampling between October 2021 and September 2022. Data collection instruments included a personal information questionnaire and the developed health literacy scale for cancer patients. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, content validity, internal consistency reliability, discrimination power, and confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that the developed health literacy scale is a 5-level rating scale divided into 3 dimensions, consisting of 14 items. It has a content validity of 0.87, a reliability of 0.92, and a discrimination index ranging from 0.30–0.72. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model was of acceptable fit with the empirical data (c²(74,400) =300.732, p<.05, RMSEA=0.08 (90% CI: 0.077-0.098), GFI=0.90, CFI=0.94). In conclusion, the developed scale is statistically sound and can be used to assess the level of health literacy among cancer patients, effectively supporting nursing planning and the development of health promotion programs.

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