Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Arabic Self-Care Inventory

BACKGROUND: Self-care is a fundamental aspect of health and well-being for healthy individuals and those with chronic illnesses. However, the available self-care measurement instruments have limited support regarding their psychometric properties. Research about the validation of comprehensive, theory-based self-care tools in the Arabic language and culture is also limited. In addition, many self-care measurement tools are available only for people with chronic illnesses. OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Self-care Inventory (SCI) in the general adult population in Jordan. METHODS: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. Data collection was performed using a demographics questionnaire, and Arabic versions of the SCI, Self-care Self-Efficacy, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-revised. SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the data. Data analysis was conducted by performing confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance, internal consistency, and bivariate correlations. RESULTS: The results revealed that the SCI comprises three scales: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. The goodness of mode fit indices showed that the models of these scales fit the data well by meeting the following set a priori criteria: (RMSEA < .07, CFI > .95, and X(2)/df < 5). The factor loadings of the individual items of the SCI provided further evidence about the factor structure of the three scales. Regarding measurement invariance, the results indicated that partial invariance across participants’ sex is assumed. The values of both Cronbach’s α and composite reliability showed that the internal consistency of the SCI is supported. Cronbach’s α of the self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management were .82, .86, and .83, respectively. CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the SCI demonstrate its validity and reliability as a robust assessment tool for measuring self-care in the general adult population.