Psychometric Properties of the 7-Item Sense of Competence Questionnaire: Assessing Informal Caregivers' Self-Perceived Competence in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Introduction Caregivers provide essential support to patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, limited research has been conducted to validate instruments that assess their self-perceived competence in caregiving. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the 7-item Sense of Competence Questionnaire (S-SCQ) in informal caregivers of patients with MCI.

Methods A non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in collaboration with the Spanish Confederation of Alzheimer’s Disease, enrolling informal caregivers of patients with MCI. A non-parametric item response theory procedure (Mokken analysis) was performed to evaluate the S-SCQ’s dimensional structure using scalability coefficients. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Concurrent validity was examined through Spearman’s correlations between S-SCQ scores and measures of caregiver burden, psychological distress, resilience, and the caregiver–patient relationship.

Results A total of 196 caregivers were studied. Caregivers had a mean age of 63.5 (SD 13.1) years, and most (63%) were female. The care recipients had a mean age of 72.9 (7.0) years, with a mean disease duration of 2.9 (2.2) years. The mean S-SCQ score was 26.1 (6.1). The S-SCQ demonstrated strong unidimensionality (H = 0.52) and good internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.86). Higher S-SCQ scores (greater sense of competence) correlated with lower caregiver burden (ρ = − 0.63, p < 0.001), reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms (ρ = − 0.32, p < 0.001), stronger caregiver–patient relationship (ρ = 0.72, p < 0.001), and greater resilience (ρ = 0.34, p < 0.001).

Conclusions The S-SCQ is a reliable tool for assessing self-perceived competence in informal caregivers of patients with MCI. Its integration into clinical and research settings may offer an opportunity to enhance the early detection of caregiver burden and facilitate timely, targeted interventions.