[German Translation of the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale: Development and Validation of a Short Form]

Illness-specific self-efficacy is important in the disease-management of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Nevertheless, there is no instrument to measure the illness-specific self-efficacy in the German speaking countries. The purposes of the study were to translate the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) into German (CSES-D) and to determine the psychometric criteria. Another objective was to construct a short form of the CSES-D. A total of 199 participants with COPD were recruited. The factorial structure of the CSES including 5 dimensions could not be confirmed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. However, the short form of the CSES-D indicated acceptable fit indices. The internal consistencies of the subscales psychological stress (α=0.95) and physical exertion (α=0.92) were good. The correlations between the CSES-Dkurz and convergent and discriminant questionnaires confirmed the validity of the instrument. The results indicate that the CSES-Dkurz is a valid and reliable instrument to assess illness-specific self-efficacy of COPD-patients. Further, studies are needed to verify the factorial construct validity of the CSES-Dkurz.