The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R): the factor structure and psychometric properties of a tool for assessing stroke-related health beliefs.
BACKGROUND
Worldwide stroke is serious problem and one that necessitates continued efforts towards prevention. The health belief model suggests that improvements in prevention will follow from incorporating strategies that change beliefs, but this approach relies on the availability of tools for measuring such change. The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R) was developed to meet this need.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the CABS-R.


METHODS
In 2007, 126 Brisbane residents aged 50 years and older completed the CABS-R. One month later, 70 participants completed the CABS-R again. Internal consistency, test-retest, and exploratory factor analyses were performed on subscales completed by >60 participants.


RESULTS
Analyses showed that the CABS-R has moderate-to-good internal consistency and that scores are relatively stable over time. A four-factor solution was identified, suggesting that the CABS-R validly assesses stroke susceptibility and seriousness and the perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise and weight loss for stroke prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the CABS-R is useful to gauge changes in stroke beliefs over time. Consistent with the model, a four factor solution was found. The CABS-R may be a useful inclusion in future stroke prevention programs.
Sullivan
Karen A
KA
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au
White
Katherine M
KM
Young
Ross McD
RM
Scott
Clinton
C
D000368:Aged; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors