Children’s Perception Scale of Head Lice Infestation (CPS-HLI): Design and Psychometrics

Background: Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infestation that involves especially the skin of children worldwide. Studying children’s perception disease’s risk factors, effectiveness personal preventive measures, and its implications for their health could be major leap forward in promotion activities. Objectives: This study aimed to develop evaluate psychometric properties Children’s Perception Scale Head Lice Infestation (CPS-HLI) initial feasibility assessment use on Iranian possibly other elementary school children. Methods: The scale’s items were retained based an extensive literature search classified into underlying constructs extended belief model (EHBM). An expert panel endorsed qualitative content face validity preliminary draft, 47 remained quantitative testing sample 362 students city Paveh, West Iran. Explanatory confirmatory factor analyses (EFA CFA) employed test structural constructed instrument. Cronbach's alpha intra-class correlation coefficients calculated assess internal consistency reliability scale. Results: values Lawshe's index (0.90) ratio (0.77), subscales’ (0.59), (0.72) confirmed plausible root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) (< 0.08 with χ2 < 0.05), Tucker-Lewis (TLI), comparative fit (CFI) > 0.9 approved applied statistical model’s goodness fit. ranges Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure sampling adequacy subscales (0.49 - 0.74) statistically significant result Bartlett’s sphericity (P 0.001) patterned relationship among items. principal component analysis was performed using STATA favored 11-factor solution. Conclusions: findings support construct CPS-HLI studies head lice disease well-being. Further cross-cultural cross-national validation are recommended instrument wider range populations settings.