THE DANISH SOCIETY FOR DIABETES IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

OBJECTIVEdTo assess the psychometric properties of a short, new, self-administered ques-tionnaire (17–19 items) for evaluating the adherence behavior of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers. This instrument has separate versions depending on the means of insulin administration, i.e., continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (Adherence in Diabetes Questionnaire [ADQ]-I), or conventional insulin injection (ADQ-C). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSdA total of 1,028 caregivers and 766 children and adolescents 2–17 years of age were recruited through the Danish Registry of Childhood Diabetes and completed the national web survey, including the ADQ and psychosocial measures of self-efficacy, parental support, family conflict, and aspects of diabetes-related quality of life. Blood samples were obtained for central HbA1c analysis. The psychometric properties of the ADQ were evaluated, and the association with glycemic control was assessed. RESULTSdThere was good internal consistency for both the youth and caregiver reports and strong agreement between the caregiver and youth reports. Higher ADQ scores, indicating better adherence, were associated with better self-efficacy, more parental support, less diabetes-related conflict, and less experience with treatment barriers. Factor analysis supported maintaining th