OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument for measuring ethical dilemma experiences and attitudes and to examine these variables among clinical dental hygienists in Korea. METHODS: This study used a two-phase design. Phase 1 involved instrument development and validation through a preliminary survey, Delphi-based content validity assessment, and psychometric testing including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Phase 2 employed a cross-sectional survey design with purposive sampling of licensed dental hygienists working in clinical settings in Korea. Of 360 responses collected, 359 were included in the final analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: EFA identified four factors for ethical dilemma experiences and three factors for attitudes toward ethical dilemmas. CFA demonstrated acceptable model fit and supported construct validity. Internal consistency was high for ethical dilemma experiences (Cronbach's α = 0.94) and attitudes toward ethical dilemmas (Cronbach's α = 0.90). Ethical dilemma experiences differed significantly by gender and source of consultation. Attitudes toward ethical dilemmas differed significantly by age, marital status, work experience and position. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that gender, age, educational level and work experience were significantly associated with ethical dilemma experiences, whereas work experience was significantly associated with attitudes toward ethical dilemmas. CONCLUSIONS: The developed instrument demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability for assessing ethical dilemmas among clinical dental hygienists. These findings may contribute to ethics education and support strategies to enhance ethical awareness and understanding in dental hygiene practice.
Lim et al. (Mon,) studied this question.