Translation of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire into French and its validation

Improving patients’ knowledge of diabetes would support adherence to treatment, prevent complications, and promote shared decision-making. Healthcare professionals need to assess patients’ knowledge using a validated questionnaire in the local language.

The aim of the study was to translate the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire from English to French and assess the psychometric properties of the translated version.

A cross-sectional method was used. Individuals with diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics, as well as dialysis units, since approximately 30 percent of dialysis patients have diabetes. Participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes completed the translated questionnaire. The questionnaire targeted both groups, with additional questions for those with type 1 diabetes. Reliability and validity were assessed according to COSMIN approach.

Analysis of the translated questionnaire (n=102) showed good internal consistency (α=0.77), similar to the original questionnaire. The removal of an item on the self-monitoring of blood glucose increased the α Cronbach coefficient by 0.03.

Despite its validation, the questionnaire should be updated according to new clinical and medical recommendations to ensure consistency between the desired knowledge and the intended goals of care.

The French version of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability. It can be used in practice and research, after deleting item 9.