Instrument validation: Roy´s coping and adaptation process in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of Roy’s Coping and Adaptation Process Scale among Mexican nationals.

Materials and methods: The scale was applied to 200 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To validate the construct, factor extraction was done with main components and Varimax rotation. The eigenvalues were above 1 and factor loadings, above 0.30.

Results: Six items were eliminated from the analysis because they showed a negative correlation with the total correlation of the scale. The initial main-components analysis revealed nine (9) factors with an explained variation of 65.29. However, three factors were not taken into account, because each had only one item. Consequently, final scale was accepted with 38 items. Cronbach’s alpha, which is a numerical coefficient of reliability, was .93.

Discussion: The analysis revealed six factors, one more than reported by Roy, and with more explained variation. Some items do not
appear to be understood fully by the participants.

Conclusions: The article offers a methodological approach to exploring how this instrument might be adapted for use with populations other than the one for which it was designed. The scale has good inner consistency and validity as an incipient construct. The data reported in the study should be used with caution. It is advisable to review the items once again, and to adapt them to the culture in question. To achieve culturally equivalent instruments, the scale should be retested with patients who have chronic degenerative illnesses.