Validation of the 60-Item Brief COPE for Assessing Coping Mechanisms Among Informal Caregivers of Patients with Cancer in Uganda.

Abstract

The psychological and emotional burdens experienced by informal caregivers of cancer patients highlight the need for effective coping strategies to maintain their well-being. The Brief COPE is a validated questionnaire consisting of 60 items, aimed at evaluating an individual’s coping strategies and is effective in providing a comprehensive profile of responses to stress. This study examined the psychometric properties of the 60-item Brief COPE among informal caregivers of cancer patients in Uganda. A cross-sectional survey involving 200 caregivers was conducted, during which participants completed the Brief COPE alongside measures of psychological distress. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s α, while test–retest reliability was assessed to determine temporal stability. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlational analysis with related constructs. The Brief COPE demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92) and strong test–retest reliability (r = 0.89). The anticipated factor structure was validated through CFA, and significant correlational analysis corroborated its construct validity. These results affirm that the 60-item Brief COPE is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the coping strategies of informal caregivers of cancer patients in Uganda.