A New Self-Report Measure of Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents

Abstract

Background The development of instruments to measure self-management in youth with type 1 diabetes has not kept up with current understanding of the concept. Objective To report the development and testing of a new self-report measure to assess self-management of type 1 diabetes in adolescence (SMOD-A). Methods Following a qualitative study, items were identified and reviewed by experts for content validity. A total of 515 adolescents, 13 to 21 years old, participated in a field study by completing the SMOD-A (either once or twice) and additional measures of diabetes related self-efficacy (SEDS), quality of life (DQOL), self-management (DSMP), and adherence (SCI). Data were collected also on metabolic control (HbA1c). Results The content validity of the scale (CVI) was .93. Exploratory alpha factor analyses revealed five subscales: Collaboration with Parents, Diabetes Care Activities, Diabetes Problem-Solving, Diabetes Communication, and Goals (α = .71 to .85). The stability of the SMOD-A ranged from .60 to .88 at 2 weeks (test-retest) to .59 to .85 at 3 months. Correlations of SMOD-A subscales with SEDS-Diabetes; DQOL satisfaction, impact, and worry; DSMP; and SCI were generally significant and in the expected direction. Collaboration with Parents and HbA1c values were related significantly and positively (r =.11); all other SMOD-A subscales were related significantly and negatively to HbA1c (r = −.10 to −.26), demonstrating that better self-management is associated somewhat with better metabolic control and supporting construct validity of the new measure. Discussion The SMOD-A has been found to be a reliable, stable, and valid measure of self-management of type 1 diabetes in adolescence.

Self-Management in Early Adolescence and Differences by Age at Diagnosis and Duration of Type 1 Diabetes

“…18 Past researchers using the SMOD-A have reported acceptable internal consistency reliabilities ranging from .71 to .85 across subscales. 19 Test-retest reliability was adequate at 2 weeks ( r = .60 to .88) and at 3 months ( r = .59 to .85). Construct validity has also been established with the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth Questionnaire, Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Scale, A1C, Diabetes Self-Management Profile, and Self-Care Inventory.…”

The Impact of Parents' Sleep Quality and Hypoglycemia Worry on Diabetes Self-Efficacy

“…Higher scores suggest parents have greater self-efficacy regarding their ability to care for their child’s T1D. Previous studies have found good internal consistency (α = .90), reliability, and construct validity estimates (Armstrong, Mackey, & Streisand, 2011; Grossman et al, 1987; Schilling et al, 2009; Streisand et al, 2005). In the current sample, the SED-P had an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha of .78.…”

A Novel Behavioral Intervention in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Improves Glycemic Control

“…12 Adolescents 13 years and older also completed the Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents (SMOD-A) questionnaire. 13 Data regarding the presence and care of a household pet were obtained at baseline and at the three month follow-up visit. Demographics and duration of T1DM were assessed for all participants.…”