Validity and Reliability of the Spanish Version of the “Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea (SEMSA)

Abstract

Objective: Determine the validity and internal consistency of the Spanish version of the "Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea (SEMSA) designed by Weaver et al. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive methodological study that determined facial and content validity with a panel of experts and a bilingual scholar. The construct validity and internal consistency sample was comprised of 151 patients with sleep apnea- hypopnea syndrome who were using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as treatment. Results: Facial validity showed a higher rate of acceptability in all three categories evaluated. As for content validity, 23 items had a satisfactory level of acceptability and the remaining four were subject to change. Exploratory factor analysis of construct validity identified three factors with 52.2% total variance explained. Internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha test was 0.90 for the total scale and 0.84 for each major dimension. Discussion: Total variance explained was higher compared to the original study, and Cronbach’s alpha was similar in both the total and dimensional scale. Conclusion: The Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea - valid and homogeneous in the Colombian urban context - is an important and objective tool to gauge the prospects for patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome compared to the associated risks, the benefit of the treatment and compliance in the use of positive pressure (CPAP), despite the perceived barriers.