Psychometric properties of the hygiene inventory in a Turkish population

This paper reports a study designed to assess the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of a Turkish version of the Hygiene Inventory (HI23). 190 young people, of students aged 17-24 years were randomly selected from one universty in Kocaeli, Turkey. HI23 was back translated; language equivalence and content validity were assessed. HI23 and socio-demographic data were collected in February 2009. Means and standard deviations were calculated for interval level data and p values greater than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the internal consistency reliability. The HI23 was psychometrically sound in this population. Construct validity, confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis [KMO 0.715, Bartlett's Specificity (chi(2)= 944.582, df=252, P < 0.001)] revealed the Turkish version to be comprised of the twenty three original HI23 items. Internal consistency reliability coefficient was 0.77. Interestingly students reported high mean scores on the HI23 3.10+/- 0.30 (range 1-4 with 4 indicating a good hygiene). The HI23 was as psychometrically robust in Turkish population as in an Australian population. Testing in different populations, cultures and healthcare systems will further assist in reporting the HI23 usefulness.