Validity and Reliability of the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory in Patients Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

ABSTRACT Aim To test the psychometric properties of the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory (SC‐CII) in patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Design A cross‐sectional, multicenter study. Methods A total of 452 IBD patients were recruited from nine centres across Italy. Participants completed the SC‐CII, the Self‐Care Self‐Efficacy Scale (SCSES), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Structural validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega. Construct validity was determined through correlations between SC‐CII and SCSES scores. Results CFA confirmed the SC‐CII's structural validity, demonstrating its multidimensional self‐care maintenance, self‐care monitoring, and self‐care management structure. Reliability scores were satisfactory, with robust internal consistency. Significant positive correlations between SC‐CII and SCSES scores confirmed its construct validity. Conclusion The SC‐CII is a valid and reliable tool for assessing self‐care behaviours in IBD patients. Its application in clinical and research settings can facilitate the evaluation of self‐care practices, supporting the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care The SC‐CII helps identify self‐care deficits in IBD patients, enabling tailored interventions for better patient‐centred care. Impact The study addressed the need for validated tools to assess self‐care in IBD patients, crucial for managing conditions like IBD. The SC‐CII proved valid and reliable, with CFA confirming its structure and correlations with self‐efficacy supporting validity. It offers a robust tool to assess and promote self‐care behaviours. Reporting Method The STROBE checklist ensured accurate and comprehensive reporting. Patient or Public Contribution IBD patients helped align the SC‐CII with their experiences, ensuring its relevance. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06015789