Psychometric properties of the Community Violence‐Prevention Activation Measure (CV‐PAM): Evaluating provider activation toward community violence prevention

• Published in: Journal of community psychology 2020-03, Vol.48 (2), p.545-561
• Main Authors: Dinizulu, Sonya Mathies, Suarez, Liza M., Simpson, David, Abdul‐Adil, Jaleel, Jacobson, Kristen C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Community; Community involvement; Confirmatory factor analysis; Prevention; Quantitative psychology; Violence; Youth
• ISSN: 0090-4392; 1520-6629
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22271

This study reports on the conceptualization of activation, and the development and psychometrics of the Community Violence‐Prevention Activation Measure (CV‐PAM). The CV‐PAM was adapted from the Patient Activation Measure (PAM; Hibbard et al., 2004, Health Serv Res, 39, 1005–1026; Hibbard et al., 2005, Health Serv Res, 40, 1918–1930) for use among a workforce servicing youth exposed to community violence. Activation toward community violence prevention is defined as a process in which community members are activated to prevent violence, believe they have important roles to play in violence prevention and supporting the well‐being of community members. Activated community members have a good understanding of the factors that contribute to violence and they apply skills and strategies that are consistent with prevention efforts. Six hundred and ninety‐four youth providers completed the 18‐item CV‐PAM to describe their level of activation toward community violence. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed and demonstrated that a three factor versus a four factor structure of activation (modeled after PAM) held together. The three factors included (a) belief that an active role is important to address community violence; (b) having the confidence and knowledge to take action around community violence prevention; (c) taking action: frequency of participation and responsiveness to community needs. The proposed fourth factor, staying the course under stress, did not have any qualifying loadings, and thus, could not be interpreted. CV‐PAM performed well in tests of reliability and validity. The CV‐PAM appears to be a precise, valid, reliable, and useful measure. Implications suggest that using this tool is potentially the first step toward understanding activation among engaged providers and a stepping stone toward increased involvement in community violence prevention through implementation and dissemination efforts.