Reliability of diabetes-specific social support scales

Abstract

The Diabetes Care Profile (DCP) is frequently used to assess diabetes-related quality of life. The social support scales have demonstrated internal consistency but test–retest reliability has not been established. Sixty-three type 2 diabetes patients participated in a telephone coaching study designed to improve diabetes control. The DCP was filled out at pre- and post-test. The test–retest reliabilities of three social support scales (Global, GET, GET-WANT) were calculated. At a mean retest interval of 6.5 months, the support scales showed reliabilities of 0.48 (Global and GET), and 0.38 (GET-WANT). The social support scales of the DCP show adequate long-term test–retest reliability.

Keywords:

• diabetes
• social support
• measurement
• reliability
• test–retest

Acknowledgements

The research presented above was supported by an award from the American Heart Association.