A Study of Validity and Reliability of a Spiritual Health Inventory (SHI) for Korean Patients with Cancer

Lee, Won Hee; Kim, Myung Sil; Kim, Sang Hee

Abstract

Spiritual health is an important indicator in the quality of life of patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to validate a Spiritual Health Inventory (SHI) for patients with cancer developed by Highfield (1989). The SHI was translated into Korean, back-translated into English. The study sample was 96 patients with cancer. The data were collected from September, 1999 to February, 2000 for 6 months. Statistic analysis was done with the SPSS PC+ (Version 10.0) program: descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA. The results are as follows: 1. The reliability score was examined using Cronbach's alpha and found to be .79. 2. Construct validity was examined using factor analysis. Four factors were identified and named: Peace of mind (19.1% of variance), Hope (9.7%), Self-esteem (6.4%), Trust (6.0%). The total of 41.2 percent of the variance. 3. The Pearson correlation coefficient score of 4 factors was between r = .24~ .42. 4. SHI was identified as multidimension, that is The relationship with GOD, as absolute being, the relationship with others, the relationship within oneself. 5. There were differences in response in items especially related to GOD. The following recommendations can be made on the above findings: 1. Replicate with a minimum sample of 150 and test for concurrent validity. 2. Since spirituality is a dynamic concept, longitudinal study is also necessary. 3. Concept analysis using a qualitative study based on religious preference is recommended. 4. The items such as 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 indicated conceptual ambiguity for Korean populations and further study is needed on item deletion or new items.