N. Abdi - Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
R. Ghanei Gheshlagh - Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
M. Kolahdozan - Vice Chancellor for Student and Cultural Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
K. Rahmani - Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
M.J. Rezaei - Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
S. Vahedi - Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
A.A. Aivazi - Department of Biology and Vector Control, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical sciences, Ilam, Iran
Y. Zarezadeh - Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Aims: Professionalism encompasses clinical competence, communication skills, and ethical and legal awareness. The assessment of professional ethics varies among different groups based on their characteristics. This study aimed to develop and validate an ethical behavior intention instrument for medical students, based on the theory of planned behavior. Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an item pool was generated based on an extensive literature review. Then, psychometric features, such as face validity (qualitative and quantitative), content validity (qualitative and quantitative), item analysis, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were evaluated. Finally, the reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Findings: A total of ۲۰۰ medical students filled out the questionnaires, with a mean age of ۲۱.۸۴±۴.۴۷ years. In face validity, content validity ratio, and item analysis, six, nine, and three items were removed, respectively. In the exploratory factor analysis, six factors of gaining informed consent, accepting role limitations and collaborating with the treatment team, respect for colleagues and professors, abstract norms, perceived behavior control, and respect for patient values, needs, and culture together explained ۵۱.۱۲۸% of the total variance. Moreover, seven items were not included in any factor. The internal consistency of the entire questionnaire and its dimensions was acceptable. Conclusion: The ethical behavior intention scale, which is designed based on the theory of planned behavior, is a valid and reliable scale that covers and measures the standards of professional ethics in medical students.

Behaviour, Intention, Theory of Planned Behaviour