Autonomy or non-compliance in adolescent diabetes?
Many physical, psychological, social and cognitive changes take place in adolescence. Emerging personal values and beliefs, an acute awareness of body image and a desire for peer conformity and increasing independence can make the transition to adulthood troublesome. For teenagers with diabetes, usual adolescent needs and concerns are complicated by the demands of a complex treatment regimen. This can result in non-adherence to the recommended programme of care and, consequently, poor glycaemic control, which increases the risks for diabetes-related complications in later life. This situation poses a major problem for healthcare professionals. Teenagers, however, are frequently preoccupied with the present, and are unable to perceive, or will ignore, their vulnerability to long-term health problems. This article discusses these difficult issues and, taking into account the increasing need for autonomy and independence in adolescence, makes recommendations for nursing practice.
Timms
N
N
Department of Child Health, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Lowes
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005610:Freedom; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology*