Introduction and Objective: Young adulthood is marked by increasing autonomy and contextual variability, making diabetes distress (DD) salient and potentially dynamic. However, DD is typically assessed retrospectively using long measures, limiting its use in ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and routine screening. We aimed to develop a brief subset of DD items suitable for EMA and practical screening in young adults with type 1 diabetes (YAT1D). Methods: 125 YAT1D (Mage=22.2±1.9yr) completed the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17). Item descriptives and item-total correlations guided initial item reduction. We then evaluated all possible 4-, 5-, and 6-item subsets using a 1-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We examined model fit indices, factor loadings, and correlations with the DDS-17 and HbA1c. Conceptual fit and EMA feasibility informed final selection. Results: We eliminated 4 items with relatively low item-total correlations (0.50) and high floor effects (60% “not a problem”). Although global CFA fit indices were strong across subsets, 4-item models more often had weaker factor loadings. A 5-item subset (Table 1) emphasizing emotional and behavior aspects of DD demonstrated strong standardized factor loadings, excellent model fit, and strong correlations with DDS-17 and HbA1c. Conclusion: Findings support initial psychometric properties of a brief DD measure for YAT1D optimized for efficient screening and EMA studies characterizing within-person DD dynamics. Disclosure J. Pierce: None. A. Monzon: None. N. Vyas: Other - Sponsored travel; Ended; Insulet Corporation. Advisory Panel; Ended; Sanofi. S.R. Patton: Advisory Panel; Current; Glooko, Inc. Funding Society of Pediatric Psychology
Pierce et al. (Fri,) studied this question.