Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

The Multidimensional Attitudes Scale (MAS) is a three-dimensional scale with good psychometric properties for assessing attitudes towards persons with disabilities (PwD). The Spanish version of the MAS has been validated with a four-factor structure. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the factor structure of a cross-cultural Spanish modified version of the MAS towards blind persons among Chilean dental students. Methods: The study involved a preliminary review of the scale by five Chilean public health experts to obtain a modified 30-item MAS towards blind persons. A pilot test with 15 dental students was conducted, and the final sample included 311 students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using maximum likelihood estimation (ML) and parallel analysis (PA) with Oblimin rotation were performed. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and model fit was evaluated using various indices (RMSEA, CFI, IFI, GFI, TLI-NNF, and RMSR). Results: All items in the scale followed a normal distribution, except for items 7 and 10. Due to cultural disparities in interpreting item 10, it was removed from the scale. The four-factor structure, excluding item 10, demonstrated acceptable reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.842 to 0.906. The model fit indices supported a good fit of the four-factor structure, consistent with previous research. Conclusion: The Spanish modified version of the MAS towards blind persons displayed a four-factor structure, which aligns with a previous Spanish version of the MAS.

Keywords: Attitudes, blindness, dental students, validation studies, Chile