Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Hypoglycaemia Self-Care Behaviour Scale

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. One of the primary goals in diabetes management is to maintain optimal glycaemic control in order to prevent both acute and chronic complications. However, hypoglycaemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels drop to dangerous levels, particularly in individuals using insulin or sulphonylurea group drugs, is not only a significant clinical problem but also a powerful source of psychological stress. As an acute complication of diabetes, hypoglycaemia can have serious consequences for the patient's health. Therefore, the management and prevention of hypoglycaemic events are very important in diabetes self-care.

People with diabetes need comprehensive knowledge and self-care skills, including regular blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, and medication management, to effectively self-manage their condition and achieve optimal glycaemic control. Only patients with the correct care information can demonstrate appropriate self-care behaviour.

The fact that individuals with diabetes face lifelong management challenges emphasises the importance of correct self-care behaviours. In this context, rapid assessment tools are needed to evaluate behaviours for coping with and preventing hypoglycaemic episodes. The aim of this study is to validate the validity and reliability of the Hypoglycaemia Self-Care Behaviour Scale, developed to assess hypoglycaemia self-care behaviour in diabetic patients, in the Turkish population.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years or older,
• With type 2 diabetes mellitus,
• Who have had blood sugar levels <70 mg/dL at least once in the last six months,
• Who can read and write Turkish and communicate effectively.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with mental and/or cognitive disorders.