Abstract

Objective  To identify validity evidence of the Brazilian version of the Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale - Adult Form.

Methods  This methodological study was carried out by means of the stages of translation, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of experts, pre-testing, and validation. Content validation was carried out by a committee of six experts, who evaluated semantic, idiomatic, experimental, and conceptual equivalence. To verify validity evidence, the scale was applied to 100 adult clinical and surgical patients. Principal component analysis was carried out with varimax rotation. Reliability was checked using Cronbach’s alpha, stability using test-retest, and equivalence using inter-rater reliability. The scale’s predictive validity was verified in relation to emergency service use and readmission.

Results  In the expert committee’s assessment, adjustments were made, and all the items obtained a Content Validity Index higher than 0.80. In the validation stage, the principal component analysis revealed that the best solution would be unifactorial, according to the original scale. The scale’s internal consistency was satisfactory. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  The Brazilian version of the 10-item Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale shows good evidence of validity and reliability. It proved to be easy to understand by the participants and represents a useful tool for professionals and researchers in the practice of care.