Using an Expert Panel to Develop Social Support Program Sequencing for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Aims and Objectives Young adulthood is a life stage comprised of many turning points. For young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), diabetes self-management support is crucial during this period. There is a lack of diabetes education programs and services tailored to this population. This paper presents the findings, according to the STROBE guidelines, on the usability and acceptability of a patient-informed mHealth support program (Diabetes YES) that was developed for young adults with T1DM. Methods A total of 34 young adults aged 18–35 years with T1DM participated in the Diabetes YES program over 12 weeks. Google analytics was used to tracked website use, while a website usability survey measured ease of use. Facebook analytics was used to measure peer support engagement. Evaluation of the program was completed using Likert scales and open-ended questions. Results Participants rated the website favourably for its ease of navigation and easy to understand information. Web page visits declined sharply while peer support group engagement through Facebook remained consistent throughout the intervention period. Participants utilised weekly discussion topics to generate conversation within the peer support group. Emotional support from peers was the highest regarded benefit reported by participants. Conclusions Diabetes YES is an example of an mHealth support program that was readily accepted by young adults living with T1DM. Feasibility studies are an important formative step in the implementation of mHealth programs within mainstream healthcare. Future work should focus on the adaptability of such programs to fit within larger consumer or healthcare organisations.

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Predictors of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(09)70875-2 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (S1) ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

D. Giannakopoulou ◽

H. Lindner

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Young Adults ◽

Independent Living ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Predictors Of Depression

Introduction:Young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes have an increased risk for psychological and emotional problems. However, little is known of the factors which encounter for depression among young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.Objective:The present study aimed first to examine differences on psychological variables between disease and non-disease groups and second to determine the developmental, psychosocial and health predictors of depression in young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.Methods:The sample consisted of 123 participants with Type 1 Diabetes and 123 healthy controls, aged from 12 to 26 years, 32.9 % males, recruited from different states of Australia and completed a battery of self report questionnaires for development, anxiety, depression, coping, health behaviours, social support and psychological adjustment to diabetes.Results:Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (n=62) reported significantly higher depression scores and lower levels of problem focused coping than their controls, p< .05. Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (n=61) reported more health behaviors than those without, p< .01. Using regression analysis findings showed that significant predictors of depression for participants with Type 1 Diabetes were development, independent living, social support (degree of satisfaction), health behaviours and problem focused coping.Conclusions:Psychological interventions specifically designed for the enhancement of positive coping, independent living skills and social satisfaction could be important for the prevention and/or management of depressive symptoms among individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

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