Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13) in Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Study of the Method Effects Associated With Negatively Worded Items

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Purpose</bold>: The objectives of this study were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), determine the role of the method effect in the performance of the instrument, and identify the relationship with health perception, quality of life, and sleep quality in patients at cardiovascular risk. <bold>Methods</bold>: The final sample consisted of 293 patients at cardiovascular risk, with a mean age of 61.9 years (SD = 8.8), 49.8% of whom were women. The SOC-13, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Mos Sleep Scale were administered. The participant´s self-perceived health and quality of live were also evaluated. All analyses were carried out with SPSS 26.0 and EQS 6.1 statistical software. <bold>Results</bold>: The results showed an adequate reliability for the SOC-13, with a Cronbach's alpha of .789. The fit of the structures was not adequate in any of the cases (one factor, three factors, one second-order factor, and three first-order factors). By adding a latent factor resulting from the method effect, the three structure models showed an improved fit. Moreover, positive correlations were found with health perception, perceived quality of life, and perceived sleep quality. <bold>Conclusion</bold>: In conclusion, it appears that the SOC-13 is a suitable instrument for patients with cardiovascular risk in Spain, and it is also an indicator of health perception, quality of life, and perceived quality of sleep. Control of the method effect improves the fit of the instrument’s structure.<bold>Trial registration</bold>: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN76069254, 08/04/2015 retrospectively registered.