RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Given the increased rate of divorce, it is important to analyse the characteristics of divorce applicants. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can provide a suitable framework to predict, explain, and/or change the behaviours. In Iran, no instrument can be found, based on health education models, to investigate divorce petition filing as a behaviour. AIM: This study was conducted to design a questionnaire on withdrawal of divorce petition based on the TPB and estimate its validity and reliability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in 27 participants involved in the divorce process using directed content analysis. The face and content validity of 58 items, drawn from the qualitative study, were evaluated by 10 experts. The reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The SPSS version 16 was used to analyse data. RESULTS: Estimates of the face and content validity (quantitative and qualitative), revealed that of the 58 items, 48 were valid based on four of the constructs of the TPB. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was also derived greater than 0.6. CONCLUSION: The designed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability was confirmed in this study, can be used in similar studies. However, the social and cultural differences and their related effects should be considered.