CROSS CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF THE SCALE TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GENITAL HERPES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this manuscript is to adapt culturally to the Cuban context the scale to measure knowledge about genital herpes simplex. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with an exploratory survey methodology from June 2008 to November 2008 with nursing students from the school in San Antonio de los Baños, Havana Cuba. Institutional and ethical approval was obtained before starting the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.34 years with (SD 7.01), and 53 % (n=17) were female and 47% were male (n=18). 84% of student were unmarried (n=32), 13% were married (n=5) and 2,6 % were divorced (n=1). All subjects were involved in the bachelor’s program in nursing (n=38). The Alpha Coefficient for the total scale was 0,82. The interclass correlation coefficient to measure scale’s stability over time was 0,84 (test-retest two weeks). Conclusions: Findings support that genital herpes knowledge scale is a reliable and valid in measuring knowledge young adults. Thus, genital herpes knowledge scale is an appropriate instrument to conduct the research on sexual transmitted disease in young adults in the Cuban contexts.