Arabic translation and validation of the gameful experience scale among Saudi Arabian nursing students: Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across gender.

AIM

To translate and validate the Arabic version of the Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX) and evaluate its psychometric properties among Saudi Arabian nursing students.

BACKGROUND

Gamification enhances engagement and learning in nursing education. The GAMEX scale assesses gameful learning experiences, but no Arabic version has been developed. This study addresses this gap by validating an Arabic GAMEX for nursing students.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional validation study.

METHODS

The GAMEX scale was translated using a forward-backward translation process, ensuring cultural relevance. Data were collected through an online and in-class survey from 641 undergraduate nursing students. Psychometric validation included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability and measurement invariance across gender.

RESULTS

CFA supported a six-factor structure with good model fit indices (CFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.049). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.952) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.967). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Measurement invariance analysis confirmed metric invariance but identified partial scalar and residual invariance, indicating minor gender-based response differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic GAMEX is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gameful learning experiences among Arabic-speaking nursing students. While enabling cross-gender comparisons, partial scalar and residual invariance suggest some gender-related variations. This validated tool supports gamification research in nursing education and informs educators about the effectiveness of game-based learning strategies.