An investigation of the psychosocial correlates to optimal health management in young people with type 1 diabetes

Objectives: The medical consequences of poorly managed Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents can be life-threatening. While a substantial body of literature exists regarding psychosocial factors and diabetes management in adults, these areas remain relatively underexplored in young people with Type 1 diabetes, especially in the years post-diagnosis. The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of specific psychosocial factors as barriers to optimal diabetes management in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. It was hypothesised that elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms would be associated with poorer glycaemic control (as measured using HbA1c), whilst more helpful coping strategies, higher levels of self-efficacy and higher levels of diabetes knowledge would be associated with improved glycaemic control. Improved family functioning was also predicted to be associated with improved glycaemic control. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Diabetes Ambulatory Care Service at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Inclusion criteria included (i) aged 7-15 years and (ii) a minimum of one year since Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Screening was completed at the clinic or during a home visit, and involved questionnaire administration of the Children’s Depression Inventory, Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale-2, Coping with Diabetes Scale, Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale, Diabetes Family Behaviour Scale, Diabetes Knowledge Scale and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. HbA1c levels and school functioning data were also collected. Results: A preliminary sample (N=53) has been recruited to date. Final results (N=120) will be available at the conference. Conclusions: The present study provides a basis for the development of psychological interventions to improve Type 1 diabetes management, through the modification of identified relevant factors.