Self-care of heart failure index scale version 7.2: validation study in a colombian population

Background Heart failure (HF) is a chronic clinical syndrome that requires adequate self-care to improve health outcomes. The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) is one of the most widely used instruments to assess this competency, but its cultural and psychometric validity must be established in each context. Objective To culturally adapt and validate version 7.2 of the SCHFI in a Colombian population diagnosed with HF. Methods An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 outpatients. A cultural adaptation of the SCHFI v.7.2 was carried out along with an analysis of its psychometric properties: feasibility; acceptability; and structural, predictive, and convergent validity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α, Omega₂, Omega₃, and test-retest. Results The theoretical structure of the instrument was confirmed with appropriate fit indices (CFI = 0.981, TLI = 0.978, RMSEA = 0.040, SRMR = 0.073). Reliability was high for symptom perception (ω₂ = 0.83) and self-care management (ω₂ = 0.76). Test-retest stability was excellent (ICC = 0.92; CCC = 0.92). Discriminative validity was demonstrated according to functional class and BNP levels (p < 0.05), and moderate convergent validity with self-efficacy (r = 0.49–0.51) Conclusion The SCHFI v.7.2 demonstrates adequate structural validity and reliability in a Colombian population with HF. The maintenance subscale showed lower consistency, suggesting the need for cultural adjustment. The instrument is useful and robust for evaluating self-care in both clinical and research settings.