Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Client Empowerment Scale in chronic patients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Client Empowerment Scale (CCES). METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, content validity was examined based on the reviews of a panel of five experts; test–retest was conducted to assess the item reliabilities of the scale. A convenience sample of 317 patients with chronic diseases were recruited from three level-3 hospitals were selected to explore the factorial structure of the CCES using exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: The Chinese Client Empowerment Scale was developed by modifying seven items. Results indicated that the CCES demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Principal component analysis supported the six-factor structure of the original instrument (Informed Confidence, Client–Provider Relationship, Social Advocacy, Awareness, Control and Client–Client Support) were identified and confirmed in the CCES. There were significant correlations among the six factors, which demonstrated the good construct validity of the Chinese version of this scale. CONCLUSION: The findings support the reliability and validity of the CCES, and the 44-item six-factor Chinese version of the CES is a self-completion scale.