Psychometric validation of the hyperglycaemia avoidance scale UK (HAS-UK)

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Psychometrics
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Hyperglycaemia aversion is a significant concern in type 1 diabetes, linked to severe hypoglycaemia and impaired awareness.
• Despite its clinical relevance, hyperglycaemia aversion is not routinely assessed in patients.
• The Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Scale (HAS-UK) is a UK version developed to measure this aversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform the first psychometric validation of the UK version of the Hyperglycaemia Avoidance Scale (HAS-UK).
• To evaluate the reliability and validity of the HAS-UK in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• The HAS-UK questionnaire was administered to 431 adults with type 1 diabetes across three research studies.
• Psychometric properties were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and convergent validity.
• Participants' diabetes management methods (multiple daily injections vs. insulin pump, continuous blood glucose sensor vs. meter) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Exploratory factor analysis identified a 3-factor structure for the HAS-UK.
• The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for the 'worry' and 'blood glucose decisions' subscales.
• Higher HAS-UK total scores were observed in insulin pump users compared to those on multiple daily injections. 'Blood glucose decisions' scores were higher in continuous blood glucose sensor users.

Conclusions:

• The HAS-UK is a reliable measure with acceptable structural validity for assessing hyperglycaemia aversion in type 1 diabetes.
• The scale is likely to be a valuable tool for clinical evaluation of hyperglycaemia aversion.
• Further research is recommended to explore test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and clinical significance.