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

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: Clini calTr ials. gov identifier: NCT06015789