Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Feb 18, 2026
Date Accepted: Aug 24, 2026
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Disease Awareness Scale (CCHF-DAS): Scale Development, Validity, and Reliability Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal infectious disease and a significant global public health concern. Increasing disease awareness among adults—particularly those in high-risk occupational groups—plays a critical role in prevention and control efforts.
Objective:
Objective:
This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess adult awareness of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Methods:
Method: This cross-sectional methodological study was conducted between March and June 2025. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 293 adult volunteers. A draft scale consisting of 29 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) was administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 22 and LISREL 8.80. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to evaluate construct validity, and internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Results:
Results:
EFA resulted in a 25-item single-factor structure derived from the initial 29-item pool. CFA demonstrated acceptable to good model fit indices (χ²/df = 4.15, RMSEA = 0.079, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.075). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the final 25-item scale was 0.916, indicating high internal consistency.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Disease Awareness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing disease awareness among adults. Future research should examine the scale’s applicability in larger and more diverse populations, particularly in high-risk regions and occupational groups. Clinical Trial: None
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