Aims To translate and examine the psychometric properties of the Malaysian version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A standard “forward–backward” procedure was used to translate MMAS into Malay language. It was later validated on a convenience sample of 223 type 2 diabetes outpatients between May and September 2009. Reliability was tested for internal consistency. Validity was confirmed using convergent and known group validity. Results Employing the recommended scoring method, the mean ± SD of MMAS scores was 6.13 ± 1.72. Moderate internal consistency was found (Cronbach’s α = 0.675), the test–retest reliability value was 0.816 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation between the eight- and four-item MMAS was found (r = 0.792; p < 0.01). A significant relationship between MMAS categories and HbA1c categories (χ2 = 20.261; p ≥ 0.001) was found. The MMAS sensitivity and specificity, with positive and negative predictive values were 77.61%, 45.37%, 46.84% and 76.56%, respectively. Conclusions The findings of this validation study indicate that the Malaysian version of the MMAS is a reliable and valid measure of medication adherence which can now be used.

Patients' knowledge about diabetes is associated with better medication adherence and better glycemic control. In addition to other factors affecting medication adherence and glycemic control, healthcare providers should pay attention to knowledge about diabetes that the patients carry towards medication adherence.

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The aims of this study were to translate the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (MDKT) into the Malaysian language, and to examine the psychometric properties of the Malaysian version.A standard translation procedure was used to create the Malaysian version of the MDKT from the original English version. A convenience sample of 307 outpatients with type 2 diabetes was identified between May and October 2009. All data were collected from the Penang General Hospital, Penang, Malaysia. Instruments consisted of the Malaysian version of the MDKT and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and other clinical data. Reliability was tested for internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.Employing the recommended scoring method, the mean±SD of MDKT scores was 7.88±3.01. Good internal consistency was found (Cronbach's alpha = 0.702); the test‐retest reliability value was 0.894 (p<0.001). For known group validity, a significant relationship between MDKT categories and HbA1c categories (chi‐square = 21.626; p≥0.001) was found.The findings of this validation study indicate that the Malaysian version of the MDKT is a reliable and valid measure of diabetes knowledge which can now be used in clinical and research practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.

Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.