Validation of the Health Consciousness Scale for Indonesian University Students: An examination of psychometric properties using confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

Students are a vulnerable group at risk of health issues stemming from lifestyle changes, academic pressure, and low self-health consciousness. The lack of a specific health consciousness measurement tool for Indonesian students necessitates the development of a valid and reliable instrument. This study aimed to adapt and assess the psychometric properties of the Health Consciousness Scale (HCS) for Indonesian students. The adaptation process, involving cultural adaptation, followed the guidelines of Beaton et al. (2000), including forward translation, synthesis, backward translation, and readability testing. Psychometric testing involved assessing content validity (using the Aiken method), construct validity, and reliability. A total of 524 students were selected using convenience sampling. The Indonesian version of the HCS (HCS-ID) demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with a content validity index of 0.87–1.00, confirmatory factor analysis results (RMSEA 0.0871, SRMR 0.043, CFI 0.943, NFI 0.919), item discrimination of 0.486–0.667, and Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.860. HCS-ID is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing student health consciousness, supporting efforts to understand student health conditions and develop targeted interventions.