Abstract
The aims of this study were to translate the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (MDKT) into the Malaysian language, and to examine the psychometric properties of the Malaysian version.
A standard translation procedure was used to create the Malaysian version of the MDKT from the original English version. A convenience sample of 307 outpatients with type 2 diabetes was identified between May and October 2009. All data were collected from the Penang General Hospital, Penang, Malaysia. Instruments consisted of the Malaysian version of the MDKT and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A~1c~ (HbA~1c~) levels and other clinical data. Reliability was tested for internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.
Employing the recommended scoring method, the mean±SD of MDKT scores was 7.88±3.01. Good internal consistency was found (Cronbach's alpha = 0.702); the test‐retest reliability value was 0.894 (p<0.001). For known group validity, a significant relationship between MDKT categories and HbA1c categories (chi‐square = 21.626; p≥0.001) was found.
The findings of this validation study indicate that the Malaysian version of the MDKT is a reliable and valid measure of diabetes knowledge which can now be used in clinical and research practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.