Michigan diabetes knowledge test: validation of modified version among Czech students of nursing

Abstract

Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Tool (MDKT) was developed to test the level of knowledge in managing Diabetes Mellitus. It is widely used as an original (for patients) and modified tool (for nurses or nursing students) around the world. Objectives: The aim is psychometric testing of the modified MDKT. Methods: This quantitative study uses descriptive statistics, Classical Test Theory (CTT), Item Response Theory (ITT), and reliability estimation within the convenient sample of students of nursing (N = 133). Data collection took place in 2018–2019 at a selected Czech University. Results: Using the MDKT only enables us to differentiate within a narrow spectrum of students whose knowledge is sub-average to average. The analysis has suggested the possibility of reducing the test while maintaining its psychometric parameters. Conclusions: The test is reliable, however too simple for our convenient sample of third-year nursing students, but this result cannot be generalised. Future investigations may lead to possible modifications, for example creating a more difficult version of the test and its revalidation.