Psychometric Study of Patient Knowledge Test

Abstract

The results of a psychometric study of the Test of Patient Knowledge are reported. The 50-item, multiple-choice test, developed by Etzwiler and associates at the International Diabetes Center, consists of a total score and seven subscores based on seven nonoverlapping content categories: nutrition, insulin, general knowledge, methods of control, pattern control, exercise, and complications. The results described herein provide evidence for the validity of the test (content, concurrent, and discriminant validity), a high level of reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .88), readability for the layperson at the 7th- to 8th-grade level, and sensitivity to instructional gains. The literature on psychometric research with other tests of patient knowledge of diabetes is reviewed and compared with the results of this study.

Optimizing insulin delivery: assessment of three strategies in intensive diabetes management

“…At the end of each strategy, after 3.5 months, these measurements were repeated. In addition, subjects completed 4-day food records every month, and a validated knowledge questionnaire [4] was also completed at baseline (t = 0) and at the end of the entire study (t = 10.5 months). Subjects had monthly clinic visits and received weekly telephone contact.…”

Including Nutrition in an Ambulatory Care Path for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…The survey and test will be repeated again in 6 to 8 months. Tools used to evaluate patient knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward diabetes include the International Diabetes Center Diabetes Information Test, 17 a 50‐item multiple choice test that includes nutrition questions about the management of diabetes, and the Problem Area in Diabetes (PAID) Survey, 18 a 20‐item survey assessing the patient's attitudes and beliefs about diabetes, including his or her feelings about their diet and acceptance of lifestyle modifications.…”

Collaborative Health Education Research: Building University and Hospital Partnerships in Diabetes Program Evaluation

“…Two studieshavereportedthereadabilityofdiabetesknowledge testsforchildm (Johnson et al, 1982) and for adolescents and adults (Garrard et al, 1987). Hosey and coworkers (1990) recommended a readability level between sixth and seventh grade for introductory diabetes education material, noting that reading level and glade level a l e n o t~y~…”