Validation of the Arabic version of the diabetes self-management questionnaire in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The number of instruments available for measuring diabetes self-management activities in Arabic countries has been limited to date. To our knowledge, no multidimensional instrument suitable for measuring diabetes self-management is currently available in Arabic. This study assessed the validation of the Arabic version of the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (A-DSMQ) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2022 at primary healthcare centers within the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Four steps were followed during the translation and adaptation of the DSMQ: forward translation, consulting an expert panel, backward translation, and pilot testing on the target population. The data were collected using a convenience sample of 154 patients with T2DM. Cronbach’s α coefficient, criterion validity, and known-group validity were determined. Results Cronbach’s α coefficient for internal consistency was 0.76. The A-DMSQ “sum scale” scores were negatively correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (Pearson’s r = − 0.48, p < 0.01) and body mass indices ( r = − 0.29, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with Self-Rated Health Scale scores ( r = 0.41, p < 0.01). Mean A-DSMQ “sum scale” scores differed significantly among groups with adequate, partially adequate, and inadequate glycemic control ( F = 23.193, p < 0.001). Conclusions These results indicate that the A-DSMQ is a reliable and valid tool for measuring diabetes self-management in patients with T2DM. The A-DSMQ can be used by researchers and healthcare providers interested in assessing diabetes self-management in this population. Healthcare providers should remain alert for suboptimal diabetes self-management, which may lead to significant economic costs in emergency and healthcare utilization.