Measuring hygiene behavior : reliability and validity of a malay questionnaire (Hygiene-Q)

Hygiene behavior can be measured with an appropriate instrument and interventions can be
implemented to improve health outcomes. The main objective of this work is to determine the
construct validity and internal consistency of the development of a Malay questionnaire on hygiene
behavior (HYGIENE-Q) among women. Items of the HYGIENE-Q were derived from literature
review related to the subject and a discussion with experts in the field. It comprised of 35 items with
seven hypothetical groups. The content and face validity was established through discussion with
experts. It was administered to all participants of women who manage their homes in Kuala
Terengganu (n=40). Factor analysis was applied to test construct validity whereas reliability analysis
(Cronbach’s alpha) was applied to test internal consistency of the HYGIENE-Q. A total of 40 women
participated in this study. Factor analysis constructed 4 domains of hygiene behavior and excluded 15
items, leaving 20 items in the final questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha of the final questionnaire was
0.78 while for each domain of hand washing, food preparation, environmental cleanliness and water
usage domains were 0.84, 0.77, 0.74 and 0.62 respectively. The HYGIENE-Q had good psychometric
values. It is a promising instrument that can be used in the future to identify the hygiene behavior
among women especially who manages their homes.