Validation of English-language versions of three scales measuring attitudes towards smoking, smoking-related self-efficacy and the use of smoking cessation strategies

Aims: To assess the validity of English translations of three scales initially developed in French, measuring perception of the adverse effects of smoking, self-efficacy and the use of smoking cessation strategies. Methods: Between 1999 and 2001, 5667 people from 97 countries (4724 smokers and 943 ex-smokers) answered the scales on the internet, of which 997 (18%) took part in a follow-up 86 days later. Findings: The factor structures of the scales were generally maintained after translation. Internal consistency coefficients were 0.5-0.9. Test-retest reliability was > 0.7 for the "Adverse effects" and self-efficacy scales, but was low (0.2-0.4) for self-change strategies, which probably reflects active use of these strategies in this sample. The translated scales performed adequately in most tests of construct validity. In particular, higher self-efficacy ratings predicted smoking cessation at follow-up, and a lower self-efficacy predicted relapse in baseline ex-smokers. Conclusion: The validity of the scales was maintained after translation in English. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.