Development and validation of a water footprint knowledge scale for teachers in Türkiye: a validity and reliability study
Environmental Research Communications, vol.8, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 8 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1088/2515-7620/ae489d
- Journal Name: Environmental Research Communications
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Keywords: environmental health, environmental literacy, scale development, sustainability, water footprint
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The concept of water footprint is necessary for analyzing how people use water resources directly and indirectly in addressing the global water scarcity problem. Because this concept is not widely known in water-scarce regions, including Türkiye, public awareness on this issue remains low. Teachers contribute to their students’ and other people’s knowledge about the environment by leading environmental education through their teaching approaches and curriculum development activities. The aim of this study is to develop the Water Footprint Knowledge Scale to assess Turkish teachers’ understanding of water footprint knowledge. The research took place from November 2023 through April 2024 while using a research design which included scale development and content validation and psychometric testing. The study was completed with 299 teachers in a province in western Türkiye. The 15-item scale showed outstanding psychometric properties through its Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of 0.87 and its significant Bartlett’s test (χ2 = 1380.1, p < 0.001) and its confirmatory factor analysis indices which supported excellent model fit (X2/sd = 1.640, GFI = 0.961, AGFI = 0.938, CFI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.046). The study achieved high internal consistency because Cronbach’s α reached 0.84 while the researchers discovered two separate knowledge domains which included behavioral knowledge and conceptual knowledge. A significant difference was found between groups with high and low knowledge levels for each item of the scale (p < 0.001). The research shows that the Water Footprint Knowledge Scale functions as an effective assessment tool which measures water footprint knowledge among Turkish teachers with both accuracy and dependability. This tool also allows for standardized assessments in training programs and research conducted within the framework of the water footprint concept for teachers.