The role of autonomy-supportive parenting in the competence, adherence and glycemic control of adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Examining the interplay of self-efficacy and emotional autonomy on diabetic control index

AIM

This study aims to explore the relationship between self-efficacy, emotional autonomy, and diabetic control index in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

From January to September 2023, this cross-sectional study involved 112 adolescents aged 14-18 with type 1 diabetes who were seeking medical check-ups at the Medical Faculty Hospital in Konya, Turkey. Data collection included demographic information, the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes, the Emotional Autonomy Scale, and diabetic control index values based on their most recent Hemoglobin A1c levels measurement. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software, with statistical significance set at a p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed a good overall self-efficacy score, indicating a balanced level of confidence in diabetes management. The emotional autonomy findings revealed a moderate level of independence, emphasizing a healthy process of differentiation from parents while acknowledging them as individuals. The ability of adolescents to openly discuss their diabetes may be associated with more favorable glycemic outcomes. However, high emotional autonomy was significantly associated with high Hemoglobin A1c levels.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights positive outcomes in adolescent diabetes management, with strong self-efficacy and balanced emotional autonomy. Open communication about diabetes correlates with favorable glycemic outcomes, but caution is necessary as high emotional autonomy is linked to elevated Hemoglobin A1c levels. The importance of receiving parental support in managing diabetes, especially in adolescents with high emotional autonomy should be highlighted.

Perceptions of Youth and Parent Decision-Making Roles Regarding Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is prescribed to youth with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) to support normal growth and ensure healthy physical development, and to youth without GHD to address height concerns. Perceptions of youth involvement in rhGH treatment decisions have not been explored. This study aimed to examine perceptions of youth and parent roles in decisions around rhGH treatment. Youth (n = 22, 11.5 ± 2.0 years) who had undergone evaluation for short stature and their parents (n = 22) participated in semi-structured interviews after stimulation test results had been received. Interviews revealed the following themes: 1) parent provided youth with support; 2) parent facilitated youth's decision-making involvement; 3) youth had no role or did not remember their role; and 4) youth did not remember conversations with their parents or providers. Parents facilitated their children's involvement by sharing information and seeking their opinions. Whereas some participants described youth as having a substantial decision-making role, not all youth felt they were involved, and some youth could not recall conversations about rhGH. Parents can bolster youth involvement by having conversations using developmentally appropriate language, which is critical to youth feeling empowered and developing efficacy over their own care.

Insulin Pump Therapy Efficacy and Key Factors Influencing Adherence in Pediatric Population-A Narrative Review

Objective: we aimed to highlight the state of the art in terms of pediatric population adherence to insulin pumps. This study intends to underline the significance of identifying and minimizing, to the greatest extent feasible, the factors that adversely affect the juvenile population's adherence to insulin pump therapy. Materials and methods: articles from PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct databases were evaluated using the following search terms: adherence, pump insulin therapy, children, pediatric population, and type 1 diabetes, in combination with several synonyms such as compliance, treatment adherence, pump adherence, patient dropouts, and treatment refusal. Results: A better glycemic control is connected to a better adherence to diabetes management. We identify, enumerate, and discuss a number of variables which make it difficult to follow an insulin pump therapy regimen. Several key factors might improve adherence to insulin pump therapy: efficient communication between care provider and patients (including home-based video-visits), continuous diabetes education, family support and parental involvement, as well as informational, practical assistance, and emotional support from the society. Conclusions: every cause and obstacle that prevents young patients from adhering to insulin pumps optimally is an opportunity for intervention to improve glycemic control and, as a result, their quality of life.