The Arabic Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale-8 (ASES-8): a valid and reliable measure of evaluating self-efficacy in Palestinian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background

The Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale-8 (ASES-8) is one of the most commonly used scales to measure patient-reported arthritis-specific self-efficacy. However, evidence about the validity and reliability of ASES-8 in an Arabic-speaking arthritis population is lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and assess aspects of validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the ASES-8.

Methods

The ASES-8 was translated into the Arabic language using the back-translation method, and administered to 67 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Construct validation methods used exploratory factor analysis and correlating the ASES-8 scores with disease-related variables expected to be related to the arthritis self-efficacy construct. An internal consistency test was conducted. Floor and ceiling effects were considered present if more than 15% of patients achieved high (=10) and low (=1) scores on the Arabic ASES-8 for both the scale and item scores.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a one-factor solution (factor loadings: 0.54–0.81). ASES-8 scores were correlated with all measures assessed (r = −0.24 to −0.57 and r = 0.06–0.66), demonstrating construct validity. Internal consistency was acceptable for measures of Cronbach’s alpha (0.86–0.88). The scale did not exhibit ceiling or floor effects.

Conclusions

The Arabic version of ASES-8 is valid and reliable for evaluating self-efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES-8) questionnaire was translated and adapted for use in Arabic language.

• This questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating self-efficacy among Arabic individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

• This will support greater use of this tool worldwide in clinical and research practices that include Arabic people.

Keywords:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• self-efficacy
• psychometric properties
• validity
• reliability

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest or any financial support.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrollment in this study. All participants were assured of confidentiality, anonymity, and right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason.