A self-report measure of diabetes-specific anxiety symptoms for adolescents

Mental Health Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Incarcerated in Juvenile Corrections

OBJECTIVES

This study examined differences by sexual and gender minority (SGM) and incarceration statuses in mental health indicators among youth.

METHODS

Population-based, cross-sectional data are from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 72 324) and includes public school students (Mage = 15.49) and youth incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities (Mage = 15.48). We categorized youth into 4 groups: (1) non-SGM youth in public schools, (2) non-SGM youth in correctional facilities, (3) SGM youth in public schools, and (4) SGM youth in correctional facilities. Multivariable regression models assessed associations among SGM and incarceration statuses and mental health indicators after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to adverse childhood experiences.

RESULTS

More youth in juvenile correctional facilities identified as SGM (28.8%) compared with youth in public schools (20.4%, P = .002). SGM youth in correctional facilities reported a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (42.2%), suicide attempt (37.5%), and self-harm (57.8%) compared with all other groups. Depressive symptom severity was similarly elevated among SGM youth in correctional facilities and SGM youth in public schools. SGM youth in correctional facilities, compared with non-SGM youth in public schools, demonstrated elevated odds of suicide ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.3-3.9), suicide attempt (aOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 3.6-10.9), and self-harm (aOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.1-6.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Incarcerated SGM youth disproportionately experience negative mental health indicators. Findings suggest that tailored, intersectional, and responsive mental health interventions are needed to support incarcerated SGM youth.

General Anxiety, Diabetes-Specific Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to identify the differential associations between general anxiety, diabetes-specific anxiety, and diabetes-specific quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted of 146 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) ages 13 to 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, general anxiety, diabetes-specific anxiety, depressive symptoms, and diabetes-specific QOL.

RESULTS

The final sample of 146 adolescents was mostly male, non-Hispanic White, mean age of 14.5 ± 1.27, having diabetes for more than 1 year, and using insulin pumps. Higher diabetes-specific anxiety was associated with poorer general treatment-related QOL, but general anxiety was not. General anxiety, diabetes-specific anxiety, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with diabetes-specific treatment-related QOL, worry-specific QOL, and poorer communication-related QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

There may be a differential impact of general anxiety and diabetes-specific anxiety in adolescents with T1DM. Diabetes-specific anxiety may be a more important factor in adolescents reporting poorer general treatment-related QOL, worry-related QOL, and communication-related QOL, while general anxiety and diabetes-specific anxiety appear to similarly impact poorer diabetes-specific treatment-related QOL. Diabetes-specific anxiety may be a more important component of QOL in adolescents. Targeted interventions may be required to effectively improve QOL.