Psychometric properties of the dropout factor scale in undergraduate Nursing Courses

Objective: to validate the scale of dropout factors in undergraduate nursing courses. Method: psychometric study to validate psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 315 undergraduate nursing students from three public universities in southern Brazil. Data collection took place in August and September 2021, after approval by the Ethics Committee. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were performed, obtaining a four-factor solution, with factor loadings (>.400). Results: four factors were identified: health problems and academic experience; overload of activities and lack of economic resources; need for family reorganization; and teaching-learning process. The instrument presented satisfactory internal and external consistency with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.93. Conclusion: the scale used is a valid and reliable instrument to be used in the evaluation of the reasons that can lead students of the undergraduate nursing course to dropout.