Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Diabetes Education Questionnaire in People with Diabetes

Objective: Patient education is a key component of diabetes management and chronic disease care, facilitating behavioral changes and supporting effective self-management. Reliable instruments for assessing patients’ diabetes knowledge are essential for identifying educational needs and designing evidence-based strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish adaptation of the Diabetes Education Questionnaire (DATE-Q) in evaluating the diabetes knowledge of individuals with diabetes.

Methods: This methodological study was conducted with 200 people with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study involved translation, back-translation, and cross cultural adaptation of the DATE-Q. The Turkish version of the Revised Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT2) was used for validation. Criterion validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation between DATE-Q and DKT2. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were used to determine the reliability.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 55.9 ± 12.5 years, 63% were female, and 82.5% had T2DM. The Turkish DATE-Q demonstrated moderate criterion validity with the DKT2 (r = 0.576, P < .001). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90), and test–retest reliability was strong (ICC = 0.80-0.96).

Conclusion: The Turkish version of the DATE-Q is a moderately valid and strongly reliable tool for assessing diabetes knowledge. Its use in research and clinical settings can support endocrinologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and nurses in identifying patients’ knowledge gaps, developing tailored education programs, and promoting effective self-management strategies. Incorporating the DATE-Q into multidisciplinary diabetes care may enhance patient outcomes and help prevent diabetes related complications.

Cite this article as: Yiğit S, Akıncı B, Ekşi BU, et al. Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the diabetes education questionnaire (DATE-Q) in people with diabetes. Endocrinol Res Pract. Published online February 6, 2026. doi: 10.5152/erp.2026.25791.