Abstract

Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.Sup / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.506 / e00506

Portuguese translation and psychometric testing of the cardiac

self-efficacy scale

Cláudia Silva1*, Adriana Henriques2, Paulo Nogueira3, Ewa Carlsson-Lalloo4

1 Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), University of Lisbon, 1600-

190 Lisbon, Portugal; Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), University of Lisbon, 1649-004, Lisbon, Portugal; orcid.org/0000-0002-4885-6962

2 Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), University of Lisbon, 1600-

190 Lisbon, Portugal; Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), University of Lisbon, 1649-004, Lisbon, Portugal; orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-6653

3 Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.; orcid.org/0000-0001-8316-

5035

4 Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden; Centre for Person‐centred Care (GPCC) University

of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; orcid.org/0000-0001-9998-4078

* Corresponding author: claudiasilva312@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction

Self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in the ongoing management of patients recovering from myocardial infarction.1

Evaluating patients’ cardiac self-efficacy is essential for healthcare professionals to structure person-centred

care interventions that enable individuals to effectively self-manage their condition.2

Objective

To translate and test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Cardiac Self-efficacy Scale (PT-

CSE) scale.

Methods

Employing a two-phase methodological design, the research first involved translation and cultural adaptation

of the original Cardiac Self-Efficacy scale.3 In Phase I, a forward-backward translation protocol was applied to

develop the Portuguese instrument. Phase II focused on evaluating structural, convergent, and discriminant

validity as well as internal consistency in a convenience sample of 102 patients diagnosed with myocardial

infarction. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, with full-information maximum

likelihood (FIML) employed.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported a multidimensional 13 items scale. The overall internal consistency was

good, with subscales also showing strong reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were established.

Conclusion

The PT-CSE scale has been validated as a reliable and valid measure for assessing cardiac self-efficacy in

Portuguese patients following myocardial infarction. The PT-CSE scale offers meaningful insights into patients’

perceptions of their capabilities and beliefs after myocardial infarction. Incorporating self-efficacy assessment

can optimize standard treatment by facilitating a more person-centred care practice and promote improved

outcomes for patients recovering from myocardial infarction.

Keywords

Self-efficacy; Myocardial Infarction; Person-centred Care; Psychometrics; Portugal.

References

1. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev [Internet]. 1977;

[cited 3 Mar 2025]; 84(2): 191–215. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191

2. Ski CF, Cartledge S, Foldager D, Thompson DR, Fredericks S, Ekman I, et al. Integrated care in

cardiovascular disease: a statement of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions of

the European Society of Cardiology. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs [Internet]. 2023 [cited 29 Sep 2025]; 22(5): E39–

46. Available from: https://doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvad009