Italian Translation and Adaptation of the Catheter Self-Efficacy Scale and the Catheter Self-Management Scale for the Assessment of Self-Efficacy in the Management of Indwelling Urinary Catheters in Autonomous Patients

The use of indwelling urinary catheters is common in patients with voiding dysfunction, yet it poses a significant risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which contribute to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Promoting patient self-management through structured education and the use of validated tools such as the Catheter Self-Efficacy (C-SE) and Catheter Self-Management (C-SMG) Scales represents an effective strategy to reduce complications and enhance patient autonomy. This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Catheter Self-Efficacy (C-SE) Scale and the Catheter Self-Management (C-SMG) Scale for the Italian healthcare context. Given the absence of an Italian instrument for the multidimensional assessment of self-management effectiveness in patients with indwelling urinary catheters, this study sought to provide a validated tool for systematic evaluation. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted involving adult patients with indwelling urinary catheters attending the Urology Outpatient Clinics at the ‘Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale’ of Piacenza, Italy. Participants completed the translated and adapted C-SE and C-SMG scales. The translation followed the back-and-forward method, ensuring conceptual equivalence. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient, and content validity was evaluated through the Content Validity Index (CVI). Additionally, patient perceptions of the scales' usability and relevance were gathered through a structured questionnaire. A total of 100 patients were recruited, with 154 completed questionnaires collected. The reliability analysis yielded strong inter-rater agreement (C-SE: Cohen's Kappa = 0.92; C-SMG: Cohen's Kappa = 0.91). Content validity was confirmed, with an S-CVI of 0.90. Patient feedback highlighted the scales' clarity, ease of completion and perceived usefulness in clinical practise. The translated and validated Italian versions of the C-SE and C-SMG scales demonstrated robust psychometric properties, supporting their use as reliable tools for assessing self-efficacy and self-management in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. Their integration into clinical practise may enhance patient autonomy, improve communication with healthcare providers and reduce catheter-associated complications. Future studies should explore their applicability in multi-centre settings.