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The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R): The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of a Tool for Assessing Stroke-Related Health Beliefs

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Abstract

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.

Purpose

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

Method

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.

Conclusion

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.

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Notes

  1. The term “T1 participant” refers to someone who participated in the first wave of data collection. The term “T2 participant” refers to someone who was tested at the second wave of data collection (follow-up). T2 participants were a subsample of those who were tested at T1.

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Acknowledgements

This project was funded by a Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Human Health and Wellbeing, Small Grant awarded to Drs. Karen Sullivan and Katherine White, and Professor Ross Young. The Queensland University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee granted ethical clearance for this project (QUT Ref no 0700000667). The authors would like to thank the following participating organizations and individuals for the help they provided in recruiting participants: QUT alumni, subscribers and moderators of the QUT classifieds and staff development lists, IHBI Information Manager, Stephanie Bradbury, and study volunteers. Administrative assistance with the preparation of this paper was provided by Ms. Rachael Sharman.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Karen A. Sullivan, Katherine M. White, Ross McD. Young & Clinton Scott

  2. School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia

    Karen A. Sullivan, Katherine M. White & Clinton Scott

Authors
  1. Karen A. Sullivan
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  2. Katherine M. White
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  3. Ross McD. Young
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  4. Clinton Scott
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karen A. Sullivan.

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Précis

The CABS-R assesses stroke-related beliefs derived from the health beliefs model. Consistent with that model, a four-factor solution was found in a sample at risk of stroke sample.

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Sullivan, K.A., White, K.M., Young, R.M. et al. The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R): The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of a Tool for Assessing Stroke-Related Health Beliefs. Int.J. Behav. Med. 17, 67–73 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9047-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9047-3

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