Psychometric Characteristics of Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background and Objective: The current research aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) in patients with type II diabetes.

Methods and Materials: The research adopted a developmental approach and fell within the scope of descriptive and test validation studies. The participants were type 2 diabetes patients from Mashhad, collected during the autumn of 2012. Two separate groups, one with 201 and another with 283 subjects, were assembled through convenience sampling. They were asked to fill out several instruments, including the TSRQ, Perceived Competence Scale (PCS), Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Data analysis was performed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as multiple regression and multivariate analysis of variance, with the aid of SPSS 27 and Amos 24.

Findings: Analysis revealed that the TSRQ is bifactorial, comprising autonomous and controlled regulation factors. The variance was 81.58% in medication adherence and glycemic control and 85.40% in dietary adherence and physical activity. Confirmatory factor analysis provided further validation of this structure. Reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability tests. Predictive validity was established for perceived competence, subjective vitality, life satisfaction, and psychological distress. No significant correlation was found between fasting blood sugar levels and the self-regulation dimensions of diabetes treatment (P<0.05). Additionally, significant variances in self-regulation were observed across variables such as duration of diabetes, gender, age, marital status, educational background, and employment status (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The TSRQ appears to possess robust psychometric qualities for patients with type 2 diabetes, making it a valuable tool for assessing and enhancing their self-management and regulatory capabilities.