Psychometric testing of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in patients with comorbid COPD and heart failure

Abstract Background Chronic disease self-management is complex and multidimensional. Optimal performance of self-management behaviors requires support from patient's friends, family, and significant others. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a 12-item questionnaire used to measure patient's social support from friends, family, and significant others. Objectives To examine the psychometric properties of the MSPSS in patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF). Methods Reliability, factorial validity, and construct validity of the MSPSS were examined using Cronbach's alpha, split-half reliability, factor analysis via principal components analysis and hypothesis testing via multivariate linear regression, respectively. Results The MSPSS demonstrated excellent internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha consistently above 0.90. Factor analysis yielded a 3-factor solution, with items loading appropriately on the Friend, Family and Significant Other subscales. Conclusion The MSPSS is a reliable, valid instrument to measure perceived social support in patients with comorbid COPD and HF.