Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the causes of mortality that can be prevented. Self-efficacy with regard to patients' performance predicts their abilities to change high-risk behaviors. Positive self-efficacy in patients with hypertension predicts compliance, adherence to medications, diet and exercise regimens, and behavioral self-management. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the psychometric features of self-efficacy questionnaire in patients with hypertension. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 260 patients with hypertension were selected by multistage cluster sampling in Tehran's public places to complete the Persian version of hypertension self-efficacy questionnaire. Then, face validity, content, and structure of the questionnaire were evaluated. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, test-retest method with a two-week interval and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used. All data analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical software, version 18.0. Results: According to the results of Content Validity Ratio (CVR), three items were eliminated. The results of exploratory and confirmatory analyses identified three factors, including diet regimen, disease management, and adherence to treatment. The goodness of fit of the three-factor self-efficacy model in patients with hypertension was confirmed based on standard indices (RMSEA = 0.082, NNFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.91, and X2/df = 328.35). Besides, internal consistency of diet regimen, disease management, and adherence to treatment based on Cronbach's alpha was 0.849, 0.471, and 0.572, respectively. Conclusions: The three-factor structure of the self-efficacy questionnaire showed appropriate validity and reliability in patients with hypertension. Thus, this tool can help caregivers and health service providers assess self-efficacy of hypertensive patients and plan and implement educational and clinical interventions.