Scale for Assessing Understanding of Benefits and Risks of Using Complementary Therapies in Diabetes Management: Psychometric Evaluation.

The sample was recruited by convenience sampling from five outpatient clinics in Taiwan, so it may not represent diabetes patients in other settings or who use different complementary therapies. Participants had to have used complementary therapies for at least 3 months and be able to respond, so the study says little about patients who do not use them or who have severe cognitive or physical impairments. The paper reports measurement properties, not whether the scale changes care or patient outcomes. Self-report responses about disclosure and knowledge may be affected by social desirability, and the authors note this as a potential bias. Most participants had type 2 diabetes, were female, married, and unemployed or retired, which limits generalizability.

The supplied text reports funding by the National Science and Technology Council. It does not state author conflicts of interest.

Do not read this as evidence that complementary therapies are safe or effective, or that using the scale improves diabetes outcomes. The paper tested whether a questionnaire measured patient understanding, not whether the therapies work.