Reliability and Validity of Type 1 Diabetes Self-Efficacy Ratings among Adolescents from Puerto Rico

Resumen

Problem Statement/Objectives: Diabetes self-efficacy (DSE) is the confidence in one’s ability to appropriately conduct self-care behaviors. Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are particularly in need for developing self-efficacy given their difficult treatment regimen and the usual demands of adolescence. Although a diabetes self-efficacy scale has been previously used with Puerto Rican youth, there are no published studies available examining its psychometric properties, which is our current goal. We expected a reliability coefficient ≥ .80 for the scale, and significant correlations with other measures, supporting its validity. Methods: Participants were 51 T1D youth (aged 12-17 years), enrolled in a depression treatment study (IRB#1112-005). Adolescents and one parent each completed several measures. We used Cronbach’s alpha to estimate the internal consistency of the measure, and Pearson’s correlation to assess its concurrent and construct validity. Results: The internal consistency of the Self- Efficacy for Diabetes Scale was .91 for its standard 35-item version, and .89 for its 25-item version (Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale). Supporting its concurrent validity, DSE scores correlated (p≤.05) with youth self-efficacy for depression. Evidencing its construct validity, these scores converged with youth self-reports of satisfaction with life and perceived diabetes-specific family support, and parent-reports of adolescents’ adherence to T1D self-care. DSE scores diverged from youth self-reports of negative mood and self-esteem, anxiety, helplessness, cognitive alterations, death thoughts, and quality of life problems. Conclusions: Our findings document the reliability and validity of this measure when used with youth with T1D from Puerto Rico. Acknowledgements: This study was funded by NIDDK (R03DK092547).