THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE SCALE FOR ASSESSING THE SEVERITY OF UNCOMPLICATED DIAPER DERMATITIS IN INFANTS

Purpose: The aims of this study was to validate adapt and evaluate a scale for assessing the severity of uncomplicated diaper dermatitis for infants in Turkey.Material and Methods: The scale's items assess severity of erythema and irritation, extent of diaper dermatitis, papules and pustules, and open skin. Analysis was based on a convenience sample of 150 participants in Turkey.Results: The rate of using wet wipes for babies' bottom care was significantly high among the parents, accounting for 90.7 %. The content validity index of the scale was .98. The item-total score correlation values ranged from .725 to .898, and the Cronbach's alpha for the entire scale was .81.Conclusion: As a result of the analyzes and evaluations, the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish society. It may advisable to use the scale in studies of the severity of diaper dermatitis in infants. Strengths and limitations as well as practical applications and implications of the scale for research were discussed.