Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form (DES-SF)

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The control of diabetes mellitus type 2 implies that people are actively engaged in self-care behaviours and self-efficacy is one of the variables involved in this process. Based on the Model of Behavioural Change, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale assesses the psychosocial self-efficacy of people with this disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF), namely its reliability and validity. <b><i>Method:</i></b> A methodological nature study was conducted, with a convenience sample comprising 123 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. In a primary health care context, the participants were asked to fill the DES-SF, the Diabetes Self-care Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Four weeks later and in order to evaluate stability over time, the self-efficacy scale was administered to a sub-sample comprised of 23 of these participants. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83) and stability over time (<i>r</i> = 0.532, <i>p</i> = 0.009) of the DES-SF. The adjustment indices of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the unidimensional nature of the scale. A positive association was found between self-efficacy and schooling (<i>r</i> = 0.209, <i>p</i> = 0.020), and self-care behaviours, in particular dietary (<i>r</i> = 0.221, <i>p</i> = 0.023) and physical exercise (<i>r</i> = 0.296, <i>p</i> = 0.002). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Reliability and validity of the DES-SF was confirmed, which demonstrates its usefulness in the context of clinical practice or in research studies involving the Portuguese population.

Individualized care for older adults with diabetes and its relationship with communication, psychosocial self‐efficacy, resources and support for self‐management and socio‐demographics

“…Overall, patients in our study scored self‐efficacy lower than Iranian and Portuguese patients with diabetes of similar ages who had moderate to good perception of psychosocial self‐efficacy. The overall mean and the means for all three dimensions of DES, as opposed to findings in our study, exceeded the threshold of three points (Sousa et al, 2019; Tol et al, 2012). The Lithuanian results corresponded with those from Chinese patients with diabetes (where mean for DES was 2.99, SD 1.05), although they were younger and with half of the disease duration (Cheng et al, 2016).…”

“…The overall mean and the means for all three dimensions of DES, as opposed to findings in our study, exceeded the threshold of three points (Sousa et al, 2019;Tol et al, 2012). The Lithuanian results corresponded with those from Chinese patients with diabetes (where mean for DES was 2.99, SD 1.05), although they were younger and with half of the disease duration (Cheng et al, 2016).…”

Factors associated with patient empowerment in Spanish adults with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional analysis

“…Total score ranges from 8 to 40, and higher scores indicate a stronger level of patient empowerment. DES‐SF has shown good internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient of .83) and stability over time ( r = .532; p = .009) 35 . The DES‐SF has been translated and adapted for Spanish‐speaking older adults with chronic diseases, replacing references to ‘diabetes’ with the word ‘health’ so that it can be applied to all kinds of health conditions 36 .…”

“…DES‐SF has shown good internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient of .83) and stability over time ( r = .532; p = .009). 35 The DES‐SF has been translated and adapted for Spanish‐speaking older adults with chronic diseases, replacing references to ‘diabetes’ with the word ‘health’ so that it can be applied to all kinds of health conditions. 36 This adaptation has shown good internal consistency (Cronbach's α of .89) and convergent validity with the General Self Efficacy Scale ( r = .77).…”

Reimagining Empowerment: A Critical Review of Empowerment Theory in Diabetes Research

“…Topics covered in the scale relate to three categories: 1) managing the psychosocial aspects of diabetes; 2) assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change; and 3) setting and achieving diabetes goals [6]. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale has been translated into several languages and into short form as recently as 2021, suggesting it is still being used on a global scale [19][20][21][22].…”