title: Quality of Life of College Students Living With Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative View.
abstract: The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to examine the quality of life among college students living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Inclusion criteria included age 18 to 24, current college student, and a diagnosis of T1D for at least 1 year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in-person and by phone. During these interviews, college students shared stories of living with T1D and its impact on their quality of life. Three major themes emerged, which included "planning ahead," "thinking positive," and "seeking support." These findings provide a better understanding of the transitional experience of living with T1D and the impact on perceived quality of life while attending college. Techniques and strategies aimed at the enhancement of perceived quality of life for college students living with T1D were identified. These findings will provide valuable insight for professionals working with this population.
authors.affiliation: Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA, USA jfredette@mwcc.mass.edu.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fredette
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mawn
authors.affiliation: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Korey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.affiliation: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fain
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: College Diabetes Network; Type 1 diabetes; college students; emerging adults; phenomenology; qualitative research