Construct Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale Among Saudi Population.

ABSTRACT

Background Knowledgeable people are more likely to follow their treatment plan and reduce hypertension morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to construct the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS) among Saudis. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire research targets hypertensives and non-hypertensives. Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation matrix analysis measured the questionnaire's construct validity. Wilcoxon rank sum tests examined HK-LS tools' discriminant validity. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 1424 responses were received. However, the 1419 individuals were evaluated after applying exclusion criteria. About 60% of the participants were female, with the most common age groups being 18-29 years (38.5%) and 40-49 years (24.0%). A personal history of hypertension was reported by 26.1%, and a family history of hypertension by 73.3% of the subjects. Cronbach's alpha for the whole HK-LS was 0.883, suggesting that the tool was reliable. All the items of the HK-LS questionnaire were significantly correlated with each other, except for a non-significant correlation between statements two and seven (r=0.05, p=0.091). The strongest correlations were apparent between items 19 and 20 (r=0.70, p<0.0001), items one and two (r=0.64, p<0.0001), and items 18 and 19 (r=0.56, p<0.0001). However, the weakest associations were reported among items two and six (r=0.06, p<0.05), items two and nine (r=0.07, p<0.05), and items one and 19 (r=0.07, p<0.05). The discriminant validity showed that a personal history of hypertension was associated with significantly higher scores of two HK-LS subscales, including definitions and complications. In addition, the overall knowledge score was significantly higher among participants with a positive history of hypertension among family and/or friends.  Conclusions The Arabic version of the HK-LS was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring knowledge about hypertension among the Saudi population. This reliable instrument can assist medical professionals in establishing education programs.