Abstract

This methodological study addressed the question: What is the reliability of Aukamp's Knowledge Scale (1986) which is used in the identification of a defining characteristic for the nursing diagnosis of knowledge deficit among women in the third trimester of pregnancy? The purpose of this study was to add to the knowledge base for nursing diagnosis by ascertaining the reliability of an instrument to be used in the identification of a defining characteristic for the nursing diagnosis of knowledge deficit of women in the third trimester of pregnancy. This study was based on two conceptual frameworks: American Nurses’ Association’s Nursing: A Social Policy Statement and Aukamp’s (1986) conceptual framework which included R u b i n ’s (1984) theory for maternal identity and maternal experience. Aukamp’s Knowledge Scale was a 14-item test based on the topics of common discomforts, nutrition and weight gain, length of pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, exercise, and fetal behaviors. The Knowledge Scale was completed by 140 women who were 18 years or older and in their 30th to 37th week of pregnancy. Internal consistency reliability of the Knowledge Scale was ascertained by obtaining Cronbach’s alpha correlation coefficient. Childbirth Education Questions and selected demographic data were included in the study to determine if they had an effect on the Knowledge Scale score mean. In this study, a Cronbach’s alpha of .4830 was obtained for Aukamp’s Knowledge Scale. Childbirth Education classes, pregnancy risk status, and race had a significant effect (p_ < .05) on the Knowledge Scale score mean. Three conclusions are drawn: Aukamp’s Knowledge Scale in its present form is not a reliable instrument to identify a defining characteristic for the nursing diagnosis of knowledge deficit in the third trimester of pregnancy ; the Knowledge Scale should be lengthened, refined, and retested for validity and reliability; and childbirth education classes do provide relevant information for third trimester pregnant women.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

7-1-1989

Publication Number

27924606

First Advisor

Dr. Nancy L. Hill

Second Advisor

Dr. Virginia Lee Cora

Third Advisor

Kaye Stowell

Document Type

Thesis

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