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Review
. 2023 Jan;40(1):e14943.
doi: 10.1111/dme.14943. Epub 2022 Sep 6.

The experiences and support needs of students with diabetes at university: An integrative literature review

Virginia Hagger  1   2 , Amelia J Lake  3   4 , Tarveen Singh  1 , Peter S Hamblin  5   6 , Bodil Rasmussen  1   2   7   8
Affiliations
Review

The experiences and support needs of students with diabetes at university: An integrative literature review

Virginia Hagger et al. Diabet Med. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Aims: Commencing university presents particular challenges for young adults with diabetes. This integrative literature review aimed to synthesise the research exploring the experiences and support needs of university students with diabetes.

Methods: Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo and EMBASE databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative studies, among undergraduate and postgraduate students with type 1 or type 2 diabetes conducted in the university setting. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Data were analysed thematically and synthesised narratively utilising the ecological model as a framework for interpreting findings and making recommendations.

Results: We identified 25 eligible papers (20 studies) utilising various methods: individual interview, focus group, survey, online forum. Four themes were identified: barriers to self-care (e.g. lack of structure and routine); living with diabetes as a student; identity, stigma and disclosure; and strategies for managing diabetes at university. Students in the early years at university, recently diagnosed or moved away from home, reported more self-care difficulties, yet few accessed university support services. Risky alcohol-related behaviours, perceived stigma and reluctance to disclose diabetes inhibited optimal diabetes management.

Conclusion: Despite the heterogeneity of studies, consistent themes related to diabetes self-care difficulties and risky behaviours were reported by young adults with diabetes transitioning to university life. No effective interventions to support students with diabetes were identified in this setting. Multilevel approaches to support students to balance the competing demands of study and diabetes self-care are needed, particularly in the early years of university life.

Keywords: Australia; college; diabetes; review; student; university.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
PRISMA diagram. Search results and reasons for exclusion.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Ecological model. Adapted from McLeroy et al. Factors influencing health behaviours for university students living with diabetes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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