The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55941

Andrea Nye, MPH¹, Roger Vaughan, DrPH¹, Aaron Mattfeld, BS², Lorraine Tiezzi, MS², and Vaughn I Rickert, PsyD². (1) Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave, B-3, New York, NY 10032, 212-304-5734, amn49@columbia.edu, (2) Center for Community Health and Education, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave, B-3, New York, NY 10032

Using a theoretical model as a guide, a survey was developed with the aim of assessing enabling factors and barriers to accessing reproductive health care among males and recent immigrants. An exhaustive literature review was performed to identify existing measures. Subsequently, informal in-depth interviews with males and recent immigrants were conducted in order to understand other and more novel factors affecting access to these services. Using results from theory, research, and practice, a questionnaire was then developed and administered to a community sample. Respondents included both male and female adolescents and adults from several health clinics and community based organizations in an economically disadvantaged, predominantly Dominican community in New York City. At the time of survey administration, participants were verbally re-asked several key questions to assess construct validity. These same participants were then invited to complete the identical instrument 10-14 days later. Statistical analyses of these data were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the instrument. The reliability of items within the instrument ranged from .15 to 1.0; Cronbachs' alpha (a measure of internal consistency) was calculated on all subscales and ranged between .45 and .81. Measurement of construct validity was adequate, with measures of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values ranging from moderate to high. Based on these analyses, a shortened instrument with increased validity and better reliability was developed. Detailed project and statistical results of this effort will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• After this presentation, participants will be able to describe the survey development process, list essential psychometric characteristics of a reliable and valid survey, and recognize the steps necessary to create an effective data collection tool.

Keywords: Evaluation, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.