Development of the Diabetes Health Belief Scale

Abstract

A Diabetes Health Belief Scale (DHBS) was developed to measure attitudes about diabetes care that could help to explain compliance with prescribed medical regimens. A preliminary version of the scale contained 71 items covering areas identified previously as important in determining health behavior. From pretesting of the scale, 40 items were selected for further study. Items were submitted to factor analysis to determine the dimensions measured. Seven factors using 38 items emerged that were relatively independent and reliable. Validity of the scale was tested by its ability to predict compliance with medical regimens six weeks later in 120 men. Compliance was measured by self-report and nurse's evaluation as well as by metabolic control of diabetes. Different factors were associated significantly with compliance and control. Although tested only on men, the DHBS should be useful in describing the health beliefs of diabetic patients and could suggest areas where intervention was needed to improve compliance.