The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R): the factor structure and psychometric properties of a tool for assessing stroke-related health beliefs.

Background: Worldwide stroke is serious problem and one that necessitates continued efforts towards prevention. The health belief model suggests that improvements in prevention will follow from incorporating strategies that change beliefs, but this approach relies on the availability of tools for measuring such change. The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS-R) was developed to meet this need.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the CABS-R.

Method: In 2007, 126 Brisbane residents aged 50 years and older completed the CABS-R. One month later, 70 participants completed the CABS-R again. Internal consistency, test-retest, and exploratory factor analyses were performed on subscales completed by >60 participants.

Results: Analyses showed that the CABS-R has moderate-to-good internal consistency and that scores are relatively stable over time. A four-factor solution was identified, suggesting that the CABS-R validly assesses stroke susceptibility and seriousness and the perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise and weight loss for stroke prevention.

Conclusion: This study shows that the CABS-R is useful to gauge changes in stroke beliefs over time. Consistent with the model, a four factor solution was found. The CABS-R may be a useful inclusion in future stroke prevention programs.