Psychometric properties of a prediabetes instrument to assess perceived susceptibility and perceived severity in Appalachians.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument that assesses perceived susceptibility and perceived severity for individuals at risk but not yet diagnosed with type 2 diabetes living in Appalachia.

Methods: From 168 surveys, Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlations assessed reliability, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed construct validity (convergent and discriminant), and multiple linear regression determined concurrent criterion-related validity of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity scales. There were 22 in-depth interviews conducted to triangulate meaning of the scales' results.