Abstract
Aim: To develop the Self-Care in COVID-19 (SCOVID) scale and to test its psychometric characteristics in the general population. Methods: We tested SCOVID scale content validity with 19 experts. For factorial and construct validity, reliability, and measurement error, we administered the 20-item SCOVID scale to a sample of 461 Italians in May/June 2020 (mean age: 48.8, SD ± 15.8). Results: SCOVID scale item content validity ranged between 0.85–1.00, and the total scale content validity was 0.94. Confirmatory factor analysis supported SCOVID scale factorial validity (comparative fit index = 0.91; root mean square error of approximation = 0.05). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with other instrument scores measuring self-efficacy, positivity, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Reliability estimates were good with factor score determinacy, composite reliability, global reliability index, Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability ranging between 0.71–0.91. The standard error of measurement was adequate. Conclusions: The SCOVID scale is a new instrument measuring self-care in the COVID-19 pandemic with adequate validity and reliability. The SCOVID scale can be used in practice and research for assessing self-care in the COVID-19 pandemic to preventing COVID-19 infection and maintaining wellbeing in the general population.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus, has profoundly affected the lives of the global population
First Phase: Development of the Self-Care in COVID-19 (SCOVID) Scale Items: In this phase, we reviewed the literature [13] and recommendations issued by national and international organizations (WHO, CDC, ECDC) addressed to the general population [5,6,7], and we identified 20 potential items complying with our definition of self-care in the COVID-19 pandemic
We reviewed the literature [13] and recommendations issued by national and international organizations (WHO, CDC, ECDC) addressed to the general population [5,6,7], and we identified 20 potential items complying with our definition of self-care in the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus, has profoundly affected the lives of the global population. As of 18 October 2020, over 40 million people were affected by COVID-19, and 1100 million deaths were recorded worldwide [1]. According to the current evidence, the Sars-Cov-2 is transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals through respiratory droplets and by indirect contact through the transfer of the virus from contaminated hands or surfaces to the mouth, nose, or eyes [2,3]. Infected droplets can be spread by asymptomatic subjects [3], making epidemic containment more challenging [4]. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 7834; doi:10.3390/ijerph17217834 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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