Validation of a structured interview for the assessment of diabetes self-management

OBJECTIVE - The authors developed and validated a semi-structured interview the Diabetes Self-Management Profile (DSMP), to measure self-management of type 1 diabetes. The DSMP includes the following regimen components: exerc ise, management of hypoglycemia, diet, blood glucose testing, and insulin a dministration and dose adjustment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Families of youths with type 1 diabetes (n = 105) who were entering a controlled trial of intensive therapy (IT) versus usual care (UC) were administered the DSMP Analyses assessed the reliabilit y and validity of the DSMP, including its associations with HbA(1c) and qua lity of life. RESULTS - The DSMP total score has adequate internal consistency (Cronbach' s alpha 0.76), 3-month test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation, r = 0. 67), inter-interviewer agreement (r = 0 94), and parent-adolescent agreemen t (r = 0.61). DSMP total scores (r = -0.28) and 3 subscales correlated sign ificantly with HbA(1c) (diet [r = -0.27], blood glucose testing [r = - 0.37 ], and insulin administration and dose adjustment [r = -0.25]). Adolescents ' reports of self-management did not differ from parental reports. Higher D SMP scores were associated with more favorable quality of life for mothers and youths. CONCLUSIONS - The DSMP is a convenient measure that yields a reliable and v alid assessment of diabetes self-management. Compared with extant similar m easures, the DSMP is more strongly correlated with HbA(1c).