Development and Validation of the Ethical Behavior Intention Scale for Medical Students Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Professionalism encompasses clinical competence, communication skills, and ethical and legal awareness. The assessment of professional ethics varies among different groups based on their characteristics. This study aimed to develop and validate an ethical behavior intention instrument for medical students, based on the theory of planned behavior.

In this cross-sectional study, an item pool was generated based on an extensive literature review. Then, psychometric features, such as face validity (qualitative and quantitative), content validity (qualitative and quantitative), item analysis, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were evaluated. Finally, the reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha).

A total of 200 medical students filled out the questionnaires, with a mean age of 21.84±4.47 years. In face validity, content validity ratio, and item analysis, six, nine, and three items were removed, respectively. In the exploratory factor analysis, six factors of gaining informed consent, accepting role limitations and collaborating with the treatment team, respect for colleagues and professors, abstract norms, perceived behavior control, and respect for patient values, needs, and culture together explained 51.128% of the total variance. Moreover, seven items were not included in any factor. The internal consistency of the entire questionnaire and its dimensions was acceptable.

The ethical behavior intention scale, which is designed based on the theory of planned behavior, is a valid and reliable scale that covers and measures the standards of professional ethics in medical students.