Psychometric Assessment of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale among Iranian Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Adverse effects of problems caused by chronic diseases can be reduced by increasing patient empowerment. The aim of the present study was to assess psychometric properties of Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES) among Iranian adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

This is an applied descriptive study with psychometric assessment and test validation design. The study population consisted of 150 patients with type 1 diabetes referred to medical centers in Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected using convenience sampling and based on inclusion criteria. The Persian version of the scale was developed based on the model of the World Health Organization (WHO). The validity of the scale was assessed by calculating the content validity index, face validity, and factor analysis. The reliability of the scale was also assessed by test-retest and Cronbach's alpha test. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 in two descriptive and inferential levels.

The content validity index (CVI) was more than 0.8 for each item except Item 12. Based on the results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), none of the common values ​​was less than 0.5. The results of Pearson correlation test also showed a positive and significant relationship between the two stages of the questionnaire (P = 0.001). Cronbach's alpha method was used to measure the internal consistency of the whole instrument (0.725), and its dimensions (0.62-0.83).

The 14-item GYPES among Iranian adolescents with type 1 diabetes was approved and has acceptable validity and reliability. Therefore, this scale can be used as a valid tool, in the field of care and research, to empower adolescents with type 1 diabetes.