Development of a Body Hygiene Assessment Scale for Bedbound Individuals

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable assessment scale for evaluating body hygiene status in bedbound individuals. Maintaining body hygiene is an essential component of nursing care, particularly for patients who depend on others for daily activities. The study is designed as a methodological study involving sequential qualitative and quantitative phases. Initially, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with intensive care nurses experienced in providing hygiene care to bedbound patients. The findings, together with relevant literature, will inform the development of an initial item pool. Following item development and preliminary evaluation, the draft scale will be tested in at least 100 bedbound patients. Further psychometric evaluation will be conducted using a sample size determined according to the final number of scale items. Body hygiene status will be assessed through observation during routine nursing care. No experimental treatment, invasive procedure, or additional medical intervention will be performed. The study aims to provide a standardized instrument to support the assessment of body hygiene status in bedbound individuals.