The self-care behavior inventory: a model for behavioral instrument development

The Self-Care Behavior (SCB) Inventory was developed as part of a long-term study of self-care practices of persons who have multiple sclerosis (MS) in Denmark. The universe of behaviors regarding the physical, social, emotional, environmental, and spiritual aspects of coping with the illness was ascertained by informal and formal interviews. Respondents were asked not only what behavior was performed, but also who performed it, how it was performed, why, when, and where it was performed, and where the knowledge to perform the behavior in this manner was acquired, such as a lay-referral network, physician, social worker, spouse, or media. The inventory went through a series of drafts and pre-tests, resulting in a final version that met criteria for validity and reliability. The model presented for the development of the SCB Inventory can be useful for designing behavioral inventories and assessment tools for other chronic conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, and diabetes.