Assessing attitudes towards insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Italian validation of the Insulin Pump Attitudes Questionnaire (IT-IPA questionnaire)

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to adapt the German version of the insulin pump therapy (IPA) questionnaire to Italian (IT-IPA) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, data were collected through an online survey. In addition to IT-IPA, questionnaires evaluating depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and treatment satisfaction were administered. The six factors identified in the IPA German version were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis; psychometric testing included construct validity and internal consistency. Results: The online survey was compiled by 182 individuals with type 1 diabetes: 45.6% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) users and 54.4% multiple daily insulin injection users. The six-factor model had a very good fit in our sample. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.75; 95% IC [0.65–0.81]). Diabetes treatment satisfaction was positively correlated with a positive attitude towards CSII therapy (Spearman’s rho = 0.31; p < 0.01), less Technology Dependency, higher Ease of Use, and less Impaired Body Image. Furthermore, less Technology Dependency was associated with lower diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The IT-IPA is a valid and reliable questionnaire evaluating attitudes towards insulin pump therapy. The questionnaire can be used for clinical practice during consultations for shared decision-making to CSII therapy.