Psychometric properties of the Swedish Diabetes Empowerment Scale

This study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (Swe-DES-23).

A convenience sample of 195 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes completed the Swe-DES-23 questionnaire. To establish discriminant validity, Swe-DES subscales were compared with the Semantic Differential in Diabetes scale (SDD) and a general health scale (EVGFP). Construct validity was tested using factor analyses. To determine unidimensionality of the subscales, inter-item correlations were calculated. Internal consistency was tested by the use of the Crohnbach-alpha coefficient.

The factor analysis resulted in four factors (empowerment subscales) with eigenvalues >1.0, explaining 60% of the variance. The four empowerment subscales: goal achievement, self-awareness, stress management and readiness to change showed Crohnbach-alpha values ranging from 0.68 to 0.91. Patients with good self-reported health and low burden of diabetes scored significantly higher on almost all empowerment subscales. Only weak correlations were found between metabolic control and the empowerment subscales.

The SWE-DES-23 scale had acceptable validity and reliability and, thus, could be a suitable tool in evaluating empowerment-based education programmes. Further testing is needed to shorten the questionnaire.