The Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale-Revised (ASAS-R): Reliability and Validity among Portuguese Medical Students

Abstract

Self-care agency plays an important role in an individual’s health. Considering the particularities of their education, it can be a protective factor for the mental health of medical students. This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale-Revised (ASAS-R) in Portuguese medical students. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical online study was conducted between 23 April 2021, and 15 July 2021. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to test the internal structure of the ASAS-R. Correlations with the SHS (Subjective Happiness Scale), SWLS (Satisfaction with Life Scale), and MHI (Mental Health Inventory) were calculated using Pearson’s coefficient so as to test convergent validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using inter-item correlation, corrected item-total correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha. The total sample included 781 individuals. EFA yielded a 3-factor solution accounting for 53.9% of the explained variance. Pearson’s coefficients obtained between the 3 factors of ASAS-R and the total scores of the 3 construct-related scales demonstrated adequate convergent validity. Total Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.85, while the Cronbach’s alpha of the three factors was 0.81, 0.55, and 0.83, respectively. This study demonstrated that ASAS-R is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring self-care agency among Portuguese medical students.