Parent perceptions of caring for adolescents with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
No studies have been performed to examine parent perceptions of caring for adolescents with type 2 diabetes. In this qualitative study, we examined parent perceptions of barriers and strategies to address barriers to self-care in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Families of adolescents with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a pediatric diabetes clinic. Focus groups were used to elicit parent experiences and perceptions of diabetes management of their adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Questions concerning barriers to self-care behaviors were asked by trained group facilitators. Transcripts were coded into themes by three reviewers. Qualitative analyses were conducted using NVIVO software.


RESULTS
Between 2003 and 2005, six focus groups were conducted with a total of 27 parents or guardians. Parents identified many barriers to and practical strategies for positive adolescent self-management. Five domains that influence self-management were identified: the role of others with diabetes, parenting skills, perceived lack of normalcy, environment, and adolescent development. Parents identified many barriers to dietary and exercise habits that were unique to the circumstances of adolescents with type 2 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Parents identified many barriers to self-management that may be unique to adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The importance of others and environmental influences in the self-management behavior of adolescents with type 2 was evident. Interventions that are designed to improve self-management should include components that address multiple influences such as peers, school professionals, parents, siblings, and/or family systems.
Mulvaney
Shelagh A
SA
Center for Evaluation & Program Improvement, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Peabody No. 151, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. shelagh.mulvaney@vanderbilt.edu
Schlundt
David G
DG
Mudasiru
Eniola
E
Fleming
Mary
M
Vander Woude
Ann M
AM
Russell
William E
WE
Elasy
Tom A
TA
Rothman
Russell
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004522:Educational Status; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012648:Self Care