Perceptions of type 1 diabetes among affected youth and their peers.
Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves balancing several components including diet, exercise, and medication. Peer involvement in management tasks is an important, but understudied, issue in T1D. This study presents results of a preliminary examination of perceptions of disease management in youth with T1D and their peers. Data were collected using a mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative data) approach during medical education time at a camp for youth with T1D and their peers. Results suggest that both youth with T1D and their peers believe that peers need more information about medical consequences of having diabetes. Further, youth with T1D and their peers would like coaching on how peers may help the child with T1D manage their illness better. Results provide preliminary ideas for intervention (i.e., including peers, assessing social support) in the medical setting as well as ideas for future research (i.e., examining relationships among perceptions and gender, time since diagnosis).
Lehmkuhl
Heather D
HD
Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. Heather.Lehmkuhl@NationwideChildrens.org
Merlo
Lisa J
LJ
Devine
Katie
K
Gaines
Jared
J
Storch
Eric A
EA
Silverstein
Janet H
JH
Geffken
Gary R
GR
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support