Validity and reliability of the hypoglycemia confidence scale for patients with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the validation and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Hypoglycemic Confident Scale and to investigate its relationship between the Hypoglycemia Fear survey, WHO Well-Being Index, Hba1c, sociodemographic characteristics and variables.
 Methods: The survey consists of a total of 81 questions concerning the sociodemographic status, clinic status variables, and the Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale formed by 35 standard questions and 46 scale questions. 
 Result: In this study, assessment of the reliability of the scale was achieved by internal consistency and test-retest methods, and the Cronbach alpha internal consistency reliability coefficients were 0.814 in the first test and 0.885 in the second test. It was observed that the responses given to the items of the Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale at two separate times were consistent with one another. The overall correlation of the scale (r = 0.927, p < 0.0001) was positive and highly significant (p < 0001). A significant, inverse, and moderate correlation was found between HbA1c values and Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale total scores (p < 0,0001, r = -0,479). Similarly, a higher hypoglycemic confidence score was observed to be associated with higher WHO Well-Being Index score and lower hypoglycemic fear. 
 Conclusion: This study shows that the Hypoglycemia Confidence Scale created by Polonsky et al. is a valid and reliable scale that can be put into use in our country.1 The Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale may be beneficial in diabetic patient follow-up and achieving treatment goals in diabetic patients.