Translation of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire into French and its validation

Introduction: Improving patients’ knowledge of diabetes would support adherence to treatment, prevent complications, and promote shared decision-making. Healthcare professionals need to assess patients’ knowledge using a validated questionnaire in the local language.

Objective: The aim of the study was to translate the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire from English to French and assess the psychometric properties of the translated version.

Methods: A cross-sectional method was used. Individuals with diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics, as well as dialysis units, since approximately 30 percent of dialysis patients have diabetes. Participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes completed the translated questionnaire. The questionnaire targeted both groups, with additional questions for those with type 1 diabetes. Reliability and validity were assessed according to COSMIN approach.

Results: Analysis of the translated questionnaire (n=102) showed good internal consistency (α=0.77), similar to the original questionnaire. The removal of an item on the self-monitoring of blood glucose increased the α Cronbach coefficient by 0.03.

Discussion: Despite its validation, the questionnaire should be updated according to new clinical and medical recommendations to ensure consistency between the desired knowledge and the intended goals of care.

Conclusion: The French version of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability. It can be used in practice and research, after deleting item 9.