DESCRIPTORS: Life expectancy. Psychometrics. Chronic disease. Validation studies

ABSTRACT: This study aims the cultural adaptation and validation of the Herth Hope Index, an instrument to measure hope. In this methodological study participated 131 individuals: cancer patients, type 2 diabetes patients and their relatives or care providers. The results confirmed reliability of the scale with Cronbach alpha of 0.834. The test-retest verified the reproducibility of the scale. The construct validity was established by convergent validity between the Escala de Esperança de Herth (Brazilian version) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the divergent validity between the Escala de Esperança de Herth and the Beck Depression Inventory. The factorial analysis confirmed three factors though composition different from the original scale. The psychometric properties of the Escala de Esperança de Herth were confirmed and indicate it has potential to be used to measure hope in the Brazilian population