Article

PURPOSE: To develop and validate the diabetes knowledge assessment test (DKAT),
an assessment designed to measure diabetes knowledge of medical rehabilitation
patients with or without diabetes. METHODS: Content validity methods were used to
develop the DKAT, which was administered to rehabilitation patients to examine
psychometric properties. RESULTS: Subjects were 75 inpatients (56% with diabetes;
45% male), and 75 outpatients (49% with diabetes; 69% male). The initial DKAT
consisted of 49 items, which was reduced to 32 items based on psychometric
criteria. Point-biserial item discrimination indices ranged from 0.26 to 0.61.
Item difficulty indices ranged from 27 to 96%. Cronbach's alpha was 0.82. Known
groups construct validity comparisons revealed that patients with diabetes
obtained significantly higher DKAT scores than patients without diabetes (p =
0.01), supporting construct validity. Scores did not differ significantly by
gender, educational attainment, age, or outpatient versus inpatient (all p >
0.05), further supporting construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis
identified two factors: "Complications" and "Risks-Symptoms-Management".
CONCLUSIONS: Findings support claims that DKAT scores are valid and reliable for
diabetes knowledge assessment across a range of rehabilitation conditions. It is
appropriate for use with persons with or without diabetes engaging in
rehabilitation services as an inpatient or outpatient. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: Medical rehabilitation patients represent an important population
in which to assess core diabetes knowledge due to the extremely high prevalence
of diabetes. We were unable to identify instruments with validity evidence aimed
at assessing diabetes knowledge in rehabilitation populations, therefore
undertook development of the DKAT. The DKAT represents a psychometrically
promising assessment that can inform individuals at risk with the signs and
symptoms of diabetes, as well as behavioral actions to reduce risk. The DKAT can
also be used to identify those with a diagnosis of diabetes in need of formal diabetes education.

Langue : ANGLAIS