PURPOSE
This study aimed to establish the translation adequacy and examine the psychometric properties of Face Mask Use Scale (FMUS).
METHODS
This methodological study employed a cross-sectional design with repeated measures. Phase 1 examined the equivalence and relevance of English and Chinese versions of FMUS. Phase 2 examined the internal consistency, stability and construct validity. Different sample batches (213 university students and 971 general public) were used appropriately for psychometric testing. The 2-phase data were collected between January and April 2017.
RESULTS
In Phase 1, the semantic equivalence and relevance (item- and scale-level content-validity-index=100%) was satisfactory. Furthermore, from 133 paired test-retest responses, the quadratic weighted kappa (.53~.73, p<.001) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC=.81) between the English and Chinese version of FMUS were satisfactory. In Phase 2, FMUS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.80~.81; corrected item-total correlation coefficients=.46~.67) and two-week test-retest stability (ICC=.84). The known-groups method (t=3.08, p<.001), exploratory (71.10% of total variance in two-factor model) and confirmatory factory analysis (χ²/df=4.02, Root Mean Square Residual=.03, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=.06, Goodness of Fit Index=.99, Comparative Fit Index=.99) were all satisfactory for establishing the construct validity.
CONCLUSION
The FMUS has an equivalence Chinese and English versions, satisfactory reliability and validity for measuring the practice of face mask use. This poses clinical and research implications for those community health nurses who works on respiratory protection. Further research should be conducted on the ‘negligent practice’ of FMU.

Citations

• An assessment of the health belief model (HBM) properties as predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviour
  Sashikala Subedi, Walter Leal Filho, Adekunle Adedeji
  Journal of Public Health.2025; 33(6): 1329.     CrossRef
• Development of generic student engagement scale in higher education: An application on healthcare students
  Shuang Li, Stephen Wai Hang Kwok, Summer Cho Ngan Siu, Jessie Yuk Seng Chung, Hemio Chung Yan Lam, Eva Yuen Mei Tsang, Kam Cheong Li, Joanna Wing Yan Yeung, Simon Ching Lam
  Nursing Open.2023; 10(3): 1545.     CrossRef
• Groningen Frailty Indicator–Chinese (GFI-C) for pre-frailty and frailty assessment among older people living in communities: psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy
  Emma Yun Zhi Huang, Jasmine Cheung, Justina Yat Wa Liu, Rick Yiu Cho Kwan, Simon Ching Lam
  BMC Geriatrics.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Perception of E-health Technology Scale in Chinese Brief (PETS-C Brief): Translation, item reduction, and psychometric testing
  Rick Yiu Cho Kwan, Simon Ching Lam, Shao Ling Wang, Arkers Kwan Ching Wong, Lei Shi, Frances Kam Yuet Wong
  DIGITAL HEALTH.2022; 8: 205520762211260.     CrossRef
• Global Imperative of Suicidal Ideation in 10 Countries Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
  Teris Cheung, Simon Ching Lam, Paul Hong Lee, Yu Tao Xiang, Paul Siu Fai Yip
  Frontiers in Psychiatry.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Pandemia da COVID-19: adaptação e avaliação psicométrica da “Face Mask Use Scale”
  Fernanda Maria Vieira Pereira-Ávila, Simon Ching Lam, Hilda Ho, Elucir Gir, Natália Maria Vieira Pereira Caldeira, Fernanda Garcia Bezerra Góes, Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
  Acta Paulista de Enfermagem.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Fatores associados à prática do uso de máscaras pela população paraibana durante a pandemia da COVID-19
  Fernanda Maria Vieira Pereira-Ávila, Simon Ching Lam, Elucir Gir, Fernanda Garcia Bezerra Góes, Maria Eliane Moreira Freire, Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva
  Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Face Mask Wearing Behaviors, Depressive Symptoms, and Health Beliefs Among Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  Rick Yiu Cho Kwan, Paul Hong Lee, Daphne Sze Ki Cheung, Simon Ching Lam
  Frontiers in Medicine.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• An Evaluation of the Validity and Reliability of the Face Mask Use Scale's Korean Version among Community-Dwelling Adults
  Kyungmi Lee, Nayeon Shin, Younhee Kang
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2021; 51(5): 549.     CrossRef
• Association Between Depression, Health Beliefs, and Face Mask Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  Daniel Thomas Bressington, Teris Cheuk Chi Cheung, Simon Ching Lam, Lorna Kwai Ping Suen, Tommy Kwan Hin Fong, Hilda Sze Wing Ho, Yu-Tao Xiang
  Frontiers in Psychiatry.2020;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Adaptation and psychometric testing of the hoarding rating scale (HRS): a self-administered screening scale for epidemiological study in Chinese population
  Tai Wa Liu, Simon Ching Lam, Man Hon Chung, Ken Hok Man Ho
  BMC Psychiatry.2020;[Epub]     CrossRef