Psychometric properties of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Modified Version-Spanish, tested in an at-risk Latino immigrant population.

Abstract

Latino populations are at high risk of developing diabetes; however, few scales measure self-efficacy to change health behaviours in at-risk Latino individuals. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale was translated into Spanish, and its psychometric properties were tested. This descriptive investigation was conducted with adults in a predominately Latino Midwest community. Participants (N = 141) completed a modified version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale, which measures self-efficacy in exercising and healthy eating. Factor analysis was performed on completed surveys. Recruitment in Latino cultural centres and parishes took place from June 2016 to May 2017. Three factors emerged: self-efficacy to exercise, emotional eating and social eating. Three scale questions had low scores during analysis; however, overall, the tool demonstrated adequate validity. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale Modified Version-Spanish demonstrated adequate reliability and validity. Healthy dietary preferences and physical activity in populations at-risk for diabetes should be assessed by nurses to ascertain level of self-efficacy in individuals by assessing confidence to engage in specific healthy behaviours.