Development and validation of the ‘Knowledge of Gestational Diabetes (GDM)’ questionnaire among a sample of women with GDM in Australia

Abstract

ObjectiveAt present, there are few validated tools that measure women’s knowledge of GDM and no tool was located, that measured effective self-management of GDM. To address this gap, this study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the ‘Knowledge of GDM’ questionnaire, for use by pregnant women. MethodsA total of 116 pregnant women, with recently diagnosed GDM, were recruited from a public hospital in Australia. Content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability of the questionnaire were undertaken as part of the validation process. ResultsThe questionnaire performed well in terms of content validity and internal consistency. Test-retest reliability indicated that the instrument was effective at measuring knowledge of GDM over time. Conclusionwe concluded that the Knowledge of GDM questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure of GDM knowledge, nutrition values and self-management principles. Practice implicationsThe questionnaire can be used to effectively determine knowledge gaps and the information needs of pregnant women with GDM. This information can then be used to improve health literacy and provide targeted support for women to better self-manage GDM.