Development and validation of assessment tool of knowledge, attitude, and practice of outdoor workers regarding heat stress

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Khorsandi, Mahboobeh^a | Dehghan, Somayeh Farhang^b | Pirposhteh, Elham Akhlaghi^c | Abbasinia, Marzieh^d | Afshari, Maryam^e | Ghanadzadeh, Mohammadjavad^f | Asghari, Mehdi^{g; *}

Affiliations: [a] Health Education and Promotion, Department of Health, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran | [b] Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | [c] Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran | [d] Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran | [e] Health Education and Promotion. Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran | [f] Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran | [g] Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Mehdi Asghari, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A’lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran. Zip Code: 3819693345, Tel.: +9858 3136055; Fax: +9858 3133858; E-mail: m.asghari2011@gmail.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Improving the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of workers exposed to heat stress using a suitable tool can be a cheap and effective method. This requires the consideration of personal, environmental and social factors, which, the PRECEDE model is highly applicable for. Thus, the aim of the present study is the development of a tool assessment for measuring the knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in outdoor occupations regarding heat stress exposure using the PRECEDE model. METHODS: In the present study, a tool was designed and constructed using the PRECEDE model by analyzing the relevant literature and expert opinion. The face validity of the tool was determined based on the opinion of ten experts with experience in the field of occupational weather conditions. The content validity of the tool was determined using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI). Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the tool’s internal consistency. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A PRECEDE based questionnaire was designed with a total of 55 questions consisting of predisposing factors (28 questions for knowledge and 14 questions for attitude), enabling factors (5 questions), reinforcing factors (3 questions) and preventive behaviors (5 questions). The Content Validity Index (CVI) of all questions was above 0.79. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of all questions was above 0.62 (Lawshe method). The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of all PRECEDE domains were above the 0.7 acceptable value. Based on the results obtained, all 55 questions were approved and thus the content validity and reliability of this tool was deemed acceptable. CONCLUSION: Considering the reliability and validity of this tool, its application is recommended in all health and safety inspections within various industries for measuring the heat stress knowledge, attitude and practices of workers engaged in outdoor occupations and also for presenting suitable solutions or preventive measures.

Keywords: Questionnaire, PRECEDE, knowledge, attitude, practice, heat stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205297

Journal: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 671-680, 2022