This study aimed to develop an instrument for measuring the attitudes that reflect the characteristics of the pandemic (Adult Pandemic Attitude Scale (A-PAS)) and verifying its validity and reliability. This study used a methodological research design and was conducted with a development step and an evaluation step. The development step included development of preliminary items, content validity, face validity, and preliminary investigation. The evaluation step included item analysis, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, factor naming, reliability, and completion of the final instrument. The A-PAS developed in this study consisted of a total of 20 items in five dimensions. The internal consistency of 20 items of the A-PAS, Cronbach's α was 0.92 for 20 items, Cronbach's α for each factor, a subscale of instrument, was 0.61~0.87 and Raykov's p coefficient of each factor, which is a subscale of the tool, was found to be 0.60 to 0.88. Analysis of construct validity showed the results as follows: χ2 (p) = 134.05 (p < 0.001), RMSEA = 0.02, RMR = 0.02, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99. The study findings suggest that the developed instrument can be utilized to measure the attitudes of adults toward pandemics, and reflect the reality of the pandemic situation. The outcomes can be used as valuable data for intervention, prevention activities, and policy preparation. The instrument will be applied in the event of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, and will be helpful in promoting the health of the people.
Keywords: A-PAS; attitude; development; instrument; pandemic.