Developing and testing of the Foot Care Confidence Scale

This study developed and tested the Foot Care Confidence Scale (FCCS), an instrument designed to measure the confidence (self-efficacy) diabetics have in performing foot self care. Content validity was assessed using Lynn's (1986) Content Validity Index (CVI) with a total of 100% content validity (Sloan, 1993). The FCCS was administered to four persons with diabetes (Sloan, 1994) and pilot tested with 41 healthy older adults (Wills & Sloan, 1995). Based on the feedback from the pilot testing and CVI panel of judges, as well as additional literature review, the instrument was revised. A study involving 122 community-dwelling older adults with a diagnosis of diabetes for five or more years was conducted. The FCCS had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92. Factor analysis revealed that all 12 items loaded on one factor and all 12 items are needed to measure confidence to care for one's feet. The FCCS is a practical instrument for use in many settings, especially where time constraints exist. It may assist the nurse in evaluating and improving outcomes of self care of the feet of persons with diabetes mellitus.