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Learning Objective 1: To understand the theoretical process taken to develop the SACS Scale including the initial conceptualization of the construct of self-advocacy for female cancer survivors.
Learning Objective 2: To understand the methodological process taken to develop the SACS Scale including translating the construct into instrument items and testing the reliability of the scale.
Aim: The purpose of this presentation is to describe the multi-step development of the SACS Scale among female cancer survivors.
Method: The process of development and reliability of the SACS Scale will be illustrated in three cumulative phases. 1) Conceptualization and initial item generation consisted of a concept analysis and a focus group study of 13 female cancer survivors. 2) Content validity evaluation consisted of a critical review of the scale items for relevancy and clarity by an 8-person panel of lay cancer survivors and healthcare professionals and was measured using the Content Validity Index; 3) Reliability and feasibility will be evaluated using test-retest and internal consistency reliability measurements and cognitive interviews among 40 female cancer survivors. Reliability measurements include Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations, Cronbach’s alphas, and content analysis, respectively.
Results: 1) The conceptual/measurement model of Self-Advocacy will be presented along with the initial items for the SACS Scale. 2) The Content Validity Index was adequate and modifications were made based on expert feedback. 3) Scale, subscale and item-level performance will be presented. Reliability and feasibility results will be used to modify scale items prior to construct validity testing.
Conclusion: The SACS Scale is a novel, theoretically-based measurement of the unique ways in which female cancer survivors self-advocate. Preliminary evaluations of the SACS Scale provide promising evidence for its utility in identifying female cancer survivors at-risk for low self-advocacy. Future research will test the construct validity of the SACS Scale and guide interventions to improve self-advocacy among at-risk female cancer survivors.