Brief report: parent perceptions of hypoglycemic symptoms of youth with diabetes; disease disclosure minimizes risk of negative evaluations.
OBJECTIVE
Based on a theoretical model, this study explored the effects that the disclosure of diabetes has on parental perceptions of a hypothetical child experiencing hypoglycemia.


METHODS
Parents (N = 610) first read vignettes that varied in a 2 x 2 design (Male vs. Female Character x Preventative Disclosure of Illness vs. Nondisclosure) and then answered several questions regarding the hypothetical child, resulting in four subscales that were validated using confirmatory factor analysis.


RESULTS
Disclosure of diabetes significantly increased perceptions of a medical problem, decreased suspicions of drug use, and presented a lower risk of parental restrictions on future contact with their child.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals who disclose their diabetes may prevent negative social consequences and restrictions on social contact. Those who choose not to disclose may risk having a hypoglycemic event perceived as a drug or alcohol problem, which may ultimately interfere with appropriate medical intervention in a hypoglycemic event.
Berlin
Kristoffer S
KS
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 53211, USA.
Sass
Daniel A
DA
Davies
W Hobart
WH
Reupert
Shawna
S
Hains
Anthony A
AA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires