Validation of the Spanish Version of the Mammography-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale

Purpose/Objectives: To consider psychometric estimates of the validity and reliability of the Spanish translation of a mammography-specific self-efficacy scale. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Three primarily Hispanic churches and a Hispanic community center in a low-income urban area of New Jersey. Sample: 153 low-income Hispanic women aged 40-85 years. Methods: The translated scale was administered to participants during a six-month period. Internal consistency reliability, and construct and predictive validity were assessed. Main Research Variables: Demographic variables included income and insurance status. Outcome variables included total mammography-specific self-efficacy and having had a mammogram within the past two years. Findings: Preliminary evidence of reliability and validity were found, and predictive validity was demonstrated. Conclusions: The health needs of specific populations can be addressed only when research instruments have been appropriately validated and all relevant factors are considered. Diverse groups of low-income women face similar challenges and barriers in their efforts to get screened. Implications for Nursing: Nurses are in an ideal position to help women with preventive care decision making (e.g., screening for breast cancer). Understanding how a woman's level of self-efficacy affects her decision making should be considered when counseling a client.