Title
Validity and reliability of a social skills scale among Chilean health sciences students: A cross-sectional study
Date Issued
01 January 2022
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Macayo E.R.
Vidal-Espinoza R.
Andruske C.L.
Universidad Católica del Maule
Universidad Católica del Maule
Publisher(s)
Page Press Publications
Abstract
Currently, there is a growing need to assess social skills in young university students since the use and application of these scales can provide benefits in different situations, such as work, education, clinical and psychological. The objective of the study was to verify the validity and reliability of a social skills scale (SS) for students from three professional health sciences programs in Chile. This information will provide understanding and development of SS among health care team members and between them and patients. A cross-sectional study was designed with 185 Chilean university students (141 males and 44 females). Students were recruited voluntarily from a private university in Chile. Ages ranged from 18 to 30 years old. Goldstein’s SS scale (consisting of six dimensions with a total of 50 questions) was used. It was administered virtually. Validity was verified by means of confirmatory factor analysis and reliability through internal consistency. The factor structure of the model confirmed the 50 questions and six dimensions of the scale. In general, the model reflected satisfactory values. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin’s (KMO) test for the adequacy (suitability) of the sample was 0.834, chi squared X2= 4344.8 (gl= 1425, p< 0.000). The comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.45, goodness of fit index (GFI) was 0.56, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.091, and the % of variance 54%. The communalities reflected values from 0.31 to 0.76. In addition, Cronbach’s Alpha values varied from 0.72 to 0.75. In its totality, the scale demonstrated a reliability of 0.75. The SS scale is valid and reliable. It can be used with students from nursing, kinesiology, and speech therapy programs. The results suggest the use and application of the scale with professionals working in higher education.
Volume
32
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Ciencias médicas, Ciencias de la salud
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85128373924
Source
European Journal of Translational Myology
ISSN of the container
20377452
Sponsor(s)
The authors hereby thank the patients and volunteers, who aided in conducting the present study. The authors would like to thank the Research and Postgraduate Department DIPOS of the Catholic University Silva Henríquez for their support in the development of this research
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus