Objectives.: Motivation for the study. Risk perception of COVID-19 is a construct that varies according to the characteristics of the population in each geographic area; however, there is no validated scale to measure this construct in the Peruvian population. Main findings. A COVID-19 risk perception scale composed of two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) was designed and validated using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Implications. Having a valid and reliable instrument will help identify the variation of risk perception of COVID-19 according to contextual and psychological factors in the Peruvian population. . To develop and validate a risk perception scale for COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) in the Peruvian population.
Materials and methods.: Psychometric cross-sectional study conducted in 2022. In phase 1, in order to design the scale, we carried out a theoretical review and a documentary review of scales, we also used focus groups as well as an expert panel. Phase 2 included expert judgment and a pilot test. A virtual survey was conducted among 678 Peruvian adults during phase 3. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out as well. We used a correlational analysis (Pearson's r) with a valid risk perception scale and the COVID-19 fear scale to determine criterion validity.
Results.: The PR-COVID-19-PE has two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) and showed good fit during construct validity (x2/gl=2.34, Comparative Fit Index=0.96, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation= 0.05 and Standardized Root Mean-Square=0.07) and optimal internal consistency (ώ=0.88). Likewise, the PR-COVID-19-PE showed correlation with another COVID-19 risk perception scale (r=0.70, p< 0.001) and a fear of COVID-19 scale (r=0.41, p<0.001). In addition, it presents metric and scalar invariance by both sex and educational level.
Conclusions.: The PR-COVID-19-PE scale showed adequate reliability and content, construct and criterion validity. It is an instrument that can measure COVID-19 risk perception in similar populations. However, further studies are required for different populations.
Objetivos.: Desarrollar y validar una escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) en población peruana.
Materiales y métodos.: Estudio transversal psicométrico, realizado en el 2022. En la fase 1 se diseñó la escala inicial mediante revisión teórica, grupos focales, panel de expertos y revisión documental de escalas. En la fase 2 se determinó la escala mediante juicio de expertos y una prueba piloto. En la fase 3 se hizo una encuesta virtual en 678 pobladores peruanos adultos. Se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Para determinar la validez de criterio se realizó un análisis correlacional (r de Pearson) con una escala válida de percepción de riesgo y la escala de miedo a la COVID-19.
Resultados.: La PR-COVID-19-PE está compuesta por dos dimensiones (cognitivo y emocional), presentó buen ajuste en la validez de constructo (x2/gl=2,34, Comparative Fit Index = 0,96, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0,96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0,05 y Standarized Root Mean-Square = 0,07) y óptima consistencia interna (ώ=0,88). Asimismo, reportó correlación con otra escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (r=0,70, p<0,001) y miedo a la COVID-19 (r = 0,41, p < 0,001). Además, presenta invarianza métrica y escalar tanto por sexo como por nivel educativo.
Conclusiones.: La escala PR-COVID-19-PE presentó adecuada confiabilidad y validez de contenido, constructo y criterio. Constituye un instrumento para medir la percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 en poblaciones similares. Sin embargo, se requiere estudios adicionales en diferentes grupos poblacionales.