Psychometric Validation of the Korean Version of the 9-Item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale

Heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. Active engagement in self-care behaviors is an essential component of HF disease management. Although the 9-item European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS-9) as a commonly used instrument has been validated in different languages, there is no validated tool for addressing self-care behaviors related to HF in Korea. This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the EHFScBS-9. A cross-sectional study was adopted. The EHFSeBS-9 was translated and back-translated into Korean. A convenience sample of 270 patients from an outpatient clinic participated. Reliability was assessed via an internal consistency analysis. Construct validity was tested with exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion validity was assessed by measuring participants' health literacy and general health status. Internal consistency was supported based on a Cronbach's alpha of .84. We identified three well-fitting factors (consulting behaviors, fluid restriction, and adherence behaviors), which explained 71.85% of the variance in self-care. More self-care behaviors were associated with adequate health literacy and good general health status. The Korean version of the EHFSeBS-9 showed sufficient internal consistency and acceptable validity to support its usage among Korean HF patients.