Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of a Korean Version of the Smoking Media Literacy Scale in Adolescents

PURPOSE: The enhancement of smoking media literacy (SML) is a crucial strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of pro-smoking media messages on adolescents. However, the availability of reliable and valid Korean-language instruments for assessing SML remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to (a) translate and culturally adapt the SML Scale originally developed in English and (b) validate its Korean version among Korean adolescents (N = 638 middle and high schoolers). DESIGN AND METHODS: The process involved (a) developing a pre-final Korean version (PFKV) through translation and cultural adaptation, (b) pilot-testing the PFKV via cognitive debriefing, assessment of translation sufficiency, and content validity testing, (c) conducting exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and (d) testing psychometric properties. RESULTS: The Korean version of the smoking media literacy scale (K-SMLS) had a two-factor structure, which was consistent with the original scale's theoretical framework. The K-SMLS was highly reliable, showing Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.8 for the overall scale and its subscales. It also demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity with media literacy and critical thinking disposition, and concurrent validity with current smoking and smoking normative beliefs. These relationships were statistically significant and in the expected directions, consistent with those found in the literature. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The use of K-SMLS can contribute to identifying adolescents at risk from pro-smoking media messages, providing targeted educational interventions, facilitating comparisons of intervention effects across studies and the drawing of informed conclusions, and developing strategies to enhance SML.