ChecKAP: A Checklist for Reporting a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Study

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran.

2 Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

4 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.

5 Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

6 Department of Community Medicine, Dr. RP Government Medical College, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India.

7 Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

8 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

9 Professor of Community Medicine and Public Health, Head of Faculty of Public Health, Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties, Erbil, Iraq.

10 Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

11 Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) model is a foundational tool in public health research. KAP surveys play a vital role in this process by gauging a population’s current level of knowledge about a specific health issue. Rigorous evaluation is essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of KAP studies. Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive checklist for reporting Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Studies was developed. Methodology: This study was conducted using a systematic six-step roadmap. A comprehensive review of available relevant quality assessment tools led to the development of specific new items. An expert panel reviewed the initial draft, and after corrections were made, the second draft was finalized and subjected to psychometric analysis by experts. Results:  The development of ChecKAP (Checklist for Reporting Items for Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) represents a significant contribution to KAP studies. The final tool consists of 46 items across 8 fields: title (1 item), abstract (6 items), keywords (1 item), introduction (6 items), method (11 items), findings (7 items), discussion (15 items), and conclusion (1 item). Conclusion: ChecKAP assesses the inherent complexity of KAP research methods and ensures consistent reporting. It fills an important gap in the KAP research literature and serves a dual purpose. First, it acts as a quality assessment tool for reviewers, enabling them to evaluate the methodological rigor and clarity of submitted manuscripts. Second, it serves as a guideline for authors, promoting a more systematic and transparent approach to reporting.

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