The validity of the diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ) in Hungarian patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: A wide range of measuring instruments are available for diabetes self-management. According to several studies, a relatively new instrument, the diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ), shows a consistent relationship with outcomes of diabetes treatment as well, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Furthermore, the questionnaire is short, but covers the main aspects of diabetes management. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Hungary, our goal was to adapt this user-friendly questionnaire and analyze its validity. METHODS: After the standard translation process, we analyzed a sample of 221 people. The construct validity of the questionnaire was tested with HbA1c and body mass index. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 values were tested via Pearson correlations. Known-groups validity of the DSMQ in relation to groups based on glycemic control levels was investigated using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The “sum scale” of the questionnaire and the HbA1c values show an inverse relationship (r = − 0.253, p < 0.01). Body mass index was related to the “sum scale” (r = − 0.214, p < 0.01) and to the “physical activity” (r = − 0.219, p < 0.01), while questionnaire results reflecting medication adherence correlated with the “glucose management” (r = − 0.291, p < 0.01), “health-care use” subscale (r = 0.236, p < 0.01) and the “sum scale” (r = 0.281, p < 0.01). A significant difference (F = 6.225, p = 0.002) was found between the DSMQ mean scores of the three groups, defined by good, medium, and poor glycemic control levels. CONCLUSIONS: The Hungarian version of the DSMQ was considered a valid tool for the measurement of diabetes self-management. With its help, problematic areas of self-management could be uncovered, and interventions can be improved.