The diabetes management experiences questionnaire: Psychometric validation among adults with type 1 diabetes

Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Management Experiences Questionnaire (DME- Q). Adapted from the validated Glucose Monitoring Experiences Questionnaire, the DME- Q captures satisfaction with diabetes management irrespective of treatment modalities.Methods: The DME- Q was completed by adults with type 1 diabetes as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing hybrid closed loop (HCL) to standard therapy. Most psychometric properties were examined with pre-randomization data (n = 149); responsiveness was examined using baseline and 26 -week followup data (n = 120).Results: Pre-randomization, participants' mean age was 44 +/- 12 years, 52% were women. HbA1c was 61 +/- 11 mmol/mol (7.8 +/- 1.0%), diabetes duration was 24 +/- 12 years and 47% used an insulin pump prior to the trial. A forced three-factor analysis revealed three expected domains, that is, 'Convenience', 'Effectiveness' and 'Intrusiveness', and a forced one-factor solution was also satisfactory. Internal consistency reliability was strong for the three subscales (a range = 0.74-0.84) and 'Total satisfaction' (a = 0.85). Convergent validity was demonstrated with moderate correlations between DME- Q 'Total satisfaction' and diabetes distress (PAID: rs= -0.57) and treatment satisfaction (DTSQ; rs = 0.58). Divergent validity was demonstrated with a weak correlation with prospective/retrospective memory (PRMQ: rs = -0.16 and - 0.13 respectively). Responsiveness was demonstrated, as participants randomized to HCL had higher 'Effectiveness' and 'Total satisfaction' scores than those randomized to standard therapy.Conclusions: The 22 -item DME- Q is a brief, acceptable, reliable measure with satisfactory structural and construct validity, which is responsive to intervention. The DME- Q is likely to be useful for evaluation of new pharmaceutical agents and technologies in research and clinical settings.