Reliability and validity of the Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment for persons with multiple sclerosis.

The purpose of the study was to determine the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment (SEPECSA) for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study was part of a larger study (Mathiowetz et al., in review) to determine the effects of the Packer et al. (1995) energy conservation course. Thirty-six individuals were recruited from the local MS society. Participants completed the SEPECSA three times with a six-week control period between the first two assessments and the six-week Packer course between the second and third assessments. The test and retest correlation was high (r = .776, ICC = .771) indicating good reliability of the SEPECSA. Construct validity was supported by the significant increase in SEPECSA score after the Packer et al. course. The results of the study demonstrated that the SEPECSA is a reliable and valid assessment for individuals diagnosed with MS. Limitations of this study included its confinement within a larger study and the eight individuals who did not complete this study in its entirety. Future research will include a follow-up study of individuals who completed the course to determine the use and effectiveness of the energy conservation strategies.