Psychometric properties of the Slovenian versions of the diabetes empowerment scale, long and short form, among the slovenian adults with type 2 diabetes

Aims

To determine the psychometric properties of the Slovenian versions of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES), both the long form (S-DES-LF) and the short form (S-DES-SF).

Methods

Between April and September 2023, we recruited adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using convenient sampling in five primary health centres. We examined internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the fit of the one-and three-factor models for S-DES-SF and S-DES-LF, respectively.

Results

The results of 288 individuals, with a mean age of 67 ± 9.2 years, including 132 men and 156 women, showed excellent internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability for both the S-DES-LF (Cronbach’s α=0.90; ICC=0.95) and S-DES-SF (α=0.91; ICC=0.92). Criterion validity of the S-DES-LF was confirmed through known-groups validity, with higher education (p=0.016) and absence of comorbid hypertension (p=0.034) associated with greater empowerment. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by the lack of significant correlations between the S-DES-LF and S-DES-SF scores with age or gender. CFA confirmed a good fit for the S-DES-SF's one-factor model but not for S-DES-LF three-factor model.

Conclusions

S-DES-LF and S-DES-SF are valid and reliable tools for assessing diabetes empowerment in Slovenian people with T2D. Future research should further explore the convergent validity of scales.