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The Assessment of Diabetes-Related Cognitive and Social Factors: The Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the recently developed Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire (MDQ). The MDQ which is theoretically linked to a social learning perspective of diabetes, was designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of diabetes-related cognitive and social factors. It includes 41 items grouped into three sections: (1) perceptions related to diabetes and related social support, (2) positive and misguided reinforcing behaviors related to self-care activities, and (3) self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. Confirmatory factor analyses, conducted on a sample of 249 patients with non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus, supported the construct validity of the MDQ. Adequate internal consistency and significant demographic, psychological, behavioral, and disease-related correlates were found. The MDQ may prove valuable in understanding individual differences in adjustment to diabetes.

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Talbot, F., Nouwen, A., Gingras, J. et al. The Assessment of Diabetes-Related Cognitive and Social Factors: The Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire. J Behav Med 20, 291–312 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025508928696

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