Translation and psychometric validation of the Arabic Gestational Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (GDMSES)

Introduction: The assessment of self-efficacy for adherence to healthy behaviours among women with gestational diabetes (GDM) is undermined by the unavailability of validated tools. Therefore, this study aimed at translating, culturally adapting and assessing the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Gestational Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (GDMSES). Materials and methods: This methodological study was conducted in the Antenatal Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman between October 2016 and January 2017. A total of 90 forms of the Arabic GDMSES tool were completed by Omani pregnant women with gestational diabetes. The study has a multiphase design: (1) cultural and linguistic validation; (2) content and face validity; (3) construct validity; (4) internal validity. Results: The Arabic GDMSES showed satisfactory content validity (CVI between .8 and 1), acceptable overall scale internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85) and stability overtime (Pearson correlation coefficient > .6). Four factors emerged for construct validity using exploratory factor analysis: nutrition and body weight, adaptation to healthy eating, physical activity and treatment and blood sugar. Our sample size of 90 was considered adequate in determining these factors (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = .78). Conclusions: GDMSES is a valid and reliable tool, thus providing a quick and easy self-efficacy assessment tool for antenatal nurses dealing with pregnant women with GDM.