Development of the Japanese version of the Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale–Revised (ASAS-R-JP)

This study developed the Japanese version of the Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale–Revised (ASAS-R-JP). Self-care agency refers to the capacity required to engage in self-care behaviors and represents a core construct in health promotion and disease prevention. The ASAS-R is widely used internationally to assess this construct. The present analysis included 280 healthy adults and 280 adults with chronic illness. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure comparable to that of the original scale, although several items loaded on different factors. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a bifactor model provided an acceptable fit to the data. The scale also showed adequate internal consistency and construct validity. The scale’s factor structure was somewhat unstable. However, the total score was a reliable and valid index of self-care agency. The ASAS-R-JP applies to a broad population, from healthy individuals to patients with chronic illnesses, and can contribute to research and clinical practice to promote health and prevent disease.