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. 2024 Nov-Dec;38(6):830-835.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.07.005. Epub 2024 Sep 21.

Changes in Self-Efficacy During COVID-19 Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study

Nkemjika Okonkwo, Erin M Bergner, Sarah S Jaser

Changes in Self-Efficacy During COVID-19 Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study

Nkemjika Okonkwo et al. J Pediatr Health Care. 2024 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this longitudinal, qualitative study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-efficacy and diabetes management among youth diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods: We conducted two semi-structured interviews with adolescents diagnosed with T1DM (n = 18) and their maternal caregivers (n = 20) over 6-9 months, to understand how their confidence in the adolescent's ability to manage their diabetes changed during the pandemic. Interviews were transcribed and coded by four raters, establishing inter-reliability.

Results: Four themes emerged: Preventing Adverse Glycemic Events, Useful Glucose Trend Information, Improved Diabetes Management, and Downsides of Technology. Most adolescents (63%) reported increased confidence in their ability to manage diabetes during the pandemic. Over half of these adolescents were already using an insulin pump, and a substantial number (33%) updated their insulin delivery method. Both adolescents and caregivers cited diabetes devices as a factor in their self-efficacy for diabetes management.

Discussion: Findings illustrate the importance of diabetes management in the daily lives of adolescents diagnosed with T1DM, and the potential benefits of diabetes devices during disruptions to care.

Keywords: Adolescent; COVID-19; Insulin infusion systems; Self-efficacy; Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest None to report.

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