Psychometric properties of the portuguese version of the Self-Care in COPD inventory

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Promoting effective self-care behaviours is paramount to the prevention, control and management of a chronic respiratory condition. Therefore, evaluating and measuring the self-care of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is vital. Nevertheless, few instruments exist for that end and even those lack of theoretical support. The Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory (SC-COPDI) is based on Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness and has been tested previously in Italian, US and Chinese populations. <bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> To analyse the psychometric properties of the portuguese version of the SC-COPDI. <bold>Methods:</bold> Observational, cross-sectional study. Construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing. Internal consistency reliability was tested by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling process was adopted. <bold>Results:</bold> A sample of 196 patients with COPD was recruited from September 2023 to February 2024. The instrument incorporates 4 scales: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, self-care management and self-care self-efficacy. Confirmatory factor analysis performed on the four scales produced good fit indices. Internal consistency was adequate with good values of Cronbach’s alpha. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The Portuguese version of SC-COPDI has acceptable validity and reliability. Some differences from the original instrument were recognised. Additional validation studies should be conducted in different populations to promote its use worldwide. <bold>References:</bold> Matarese, M. et al. Evaluation & the Health Professions 2020; 43 (1): 50-62