Psychometric Evaluation of a New Instrument in Spanish to Measure Self-Care Requisites in Patients with Schizophrenia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a new instrument in Spanish designed to measure self-care requisites in patients with schizophrenia treated in the community. DESIGN AND METHODS: The first phase was conducted to develop the questionnaire through a panel of experts and evaluate for content validity. Psychometric evaluation was then conducted with a consecutive sample of 341 patients. FINDINGS: The scale demonstrated good internal consistency and stability over time. The discriminant and convergent validity was satisfactory. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the theoretical model fits the self-care requisites proposed by Orem's nursing theory from which it originated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical practice, guiding the nurse in developing the most appropriate care plan for each patient