Psychometric evaluation of the MSU CAM health literacy scale

Abstract Background/Purpose The rise in the use of alternative health care approaches (CAM) increases the need for adequate health literacy. The MSU Health Literacy Scale was developed to measure CAM health literacy. Psychometric evaluation of the scale is presented in this article. Methods A test retest design was utilized and data from this instrument evaluation research project were used to explore the validity and several forms of reliability of the MSU Health Literacy Scale. The data analysis was based on the scores of 241 individuals at the T1 data collection and the scores of 188 at the T2 administration of the instrument. Results There were significant correlations between the MSU CAM Health Literacy Scale and Newest Vital Sign (r = 0.330 p = .000) and with a single question health literacy measure (r = .255 (p = .000). Cronbach’s alphas were adequate for each administration of the scale (T1 = .774 and T2 = .754). The correlation of scores between the T1 administration and the T2 administration were significant (r = .696 (p = .000). Conclusions This psychometric evaluation provides confirmation of convergent validity and stable reliability. The scale can be used in future research and clinical endeavors.