The reliability and validity of the arthritis self-efficacy scale in a UK context

The aim of this research was to examine the comprehensibility, reliability and validity of the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASE), amongst British people with arthritis in the context of community-based Arthritis Self-Management Programmes (ASMP). The ASE scale is designed to measure perceived ability to control various aspects of arthritis. Data were drawn from four studies: Study 1 tested the comprehensibility of the ASE; and Studies 2, 3 and 4 examined the reliability and validity of the scale. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires mailed to participants. Reliability and structure of the ASE were examined using standard item analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and factor analyses. Construct, concurrent and predictive validity were examined in relation to demographic variables, physical health status, psychosocial well-being and generalized self-efficacy beliefs. The ASE had a two-dimensional structure: ASE: Pain and ASE: Other symptoms. As expected, higher self-efficacy on both dimensions was associated with greater psychological well-being, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The ASE appears to be a reliable and valid measure for use amongst community-based samples of people with arthritis in the UK and may be a useful indicator of change in evaluations of arthritis self-management courses