Validation of the Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses

J Nurs Meas. 2019 Aug 1;27(2):335-357. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.27.2.335.

Abstract

Background and purpose: To determine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses (MDSN-BR).

Design: In this methodological, cross-sectional study, the criterion, content, and construct validation stages were presented.

Method: A 57-item questionnaire was applied to 1,227 brazilian nurses through an online form. The exploratory factor analyses revealed significant conceptual relations among its items in six constructs, expressing the consistency of the scale.

Results: The validated version of the instrument consists of six constructs and 49 items-Cronbach's alpha .980 (instrument) and of constructs: (a) (.942) Acknowledgment, power, and professional identity; (b) (.961) Safe and qualified care; (c) (.924) Defense of values and rights; (d) (.944) Work conditions; (e) (.933) Ethical infractions; (f) (.914) Work teams.

Conclusion: The results provide evidence supporting the reliability and trustworthiness of the scale in the selected population.

Keywords: ethics; instrument development; moral distress; nursing practice; validity.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morals*
  • Nursing Staff / psychology*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Stress, Psychological*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult