Development of the Diabetes Problem-Solving Measure for Adolescents

PURPOSE his paper describes the development and psychometric properties of the Diabetes Problem-Solving Measure for Adolescents (DPSMA). METHODS The DPSMA is a structured, interview-based questionnaire that examines how adolescents with type 1 diabetes solve diabetes-related self-management problems. Seventeen diabetes-related self-management problem vignettes were derived from a survey of adolescents and their parents. The vignettes were reviewed and finalized by a multidisciplinary team of diabetes experts. A sample of 43 adolescents, 13 to 17 years old, with type 1 diabetes, was used to establish the psychometric properties of the instrument. RESULTS The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and interrater reliability. Predicted relationships with scores on concurrently administered measures of adherence, diabetes quality of life, and metabolic control provided support for construct validity. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the DPSMA has acceptable internal consistency, interrater reliability, and construct validity. It may be a useful tool to help healthcare providers understand the diabetes-related problem-solving abilities of their adolescent patients.