Psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6): A dual approach of classical and modern test theory

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Bangladesh has consistently prioritized vaccination to address health issues. While high hesitation continues to be a significant barrier to vaccination success, vaccination fear is a distinct psychological construct that might affect the decision to vaccinate. Despite this, no valid and reliable tool exists to assess vaccination fear in the Bangladesh population. <h3>Aim</h3> We aim to validate culturally and adapt the Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6) in Bangladesh. <h3>Method</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1098 participants using a non-random convenient sampling method. A total of 1089 were included in the study (mean age = 34.28 years, SD = 12.78), with the majority being female (55,5 %). Descriptive statistics were carried out to get an overall idea of the dataset, and inferential analysis including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Rasch statistics, were employed to validate the VFS-6 Bangla version. <h3>Result</h3> The internal consistency of the overall VFS-6 scale was 0.818.I In CFA substantial loadings were observed, ranging from 0.713 to 0.935. The significant correlation between the somatic and cognitive factors of VFS-6 was 0.48, and the correlation with DASS-21 was weak but significant (<b>r</b> = 0.29). CFA indicated a good model fit. Rasch analysis demonstrated good item and person separation reliability (0.82 and 0.80, respectively), with a substantial relationship between scores, ability, and probability. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The Bangla version of the VFS-6 has proven to be a reliable and valid measure to assess vaccination fear.