[An evaluation study of a scale of diabetological education in primary care].

OBJECTIVE

To devise and evaluate a scale of measurement which would permit evaluation at primary care level, of the knowledge that diabetic patients have of diabetes. Secondly, to ascertain the level of knowledge of the sample of diabetic patients attending the Xixona Health Centre.

DESIGN

Non-longitudinal, observational, descriptive study.

SETTING

Primary health care (health centre).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The degree of internal consistency of the diabetes scale of knowledge (DISK) attained a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.87. The coefficients of correlation of each of the factors--defined a priori (general knowledge, diet, exercise, hygiene and self-regulation)--oscillated between 0.77 and 0.83. The Garret index of corrected difficulty was at 0.64. The homogeneity of each item with the questionnaire showed values above 0.31. The reliability measured by means of the KR20 index was 0.86. The odd-even coefficient of reliability was at 0.89. The mean level of correct answers was 70%. A relation was found between the level of knowledge and the variables age and years the patient had been subject to the condition. No relation was found with the treatment, sex, glycaemia or HbA1C level, nor educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

The indices obtained by the scale can be considered to be judiciously acceptable, both in terms of their internal consistency and their ability to characterise. The DISK (ECODI) is, then, a valuable tool in the field of primary health care.