Illness representations predict adherence in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes |
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Authors: | Meghan E. McGrady James L. Peugh Korey K. Hood |
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Affiliation: | 1. Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Center for Adherence and Self-Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USAMeghan.McGrady@cchmc.org;3. Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Center for Adherence and Self-Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA;4. Department of Pediatrics, Madison Center for Pediatric Diabetes, San Francisco School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA |
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Abstract: | Objective: Most adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes struggle with diabetes self-management and exhibit suboptimal glycemic control. This study examined two models of association between illness representations, a modifiable predictor of suboptimal outcomes, and adherence and glycemic control in AYAs with type 1 diabetes.Design and main outcome measures: Ninety-nine AYAs (ages 15–20?years) completed measures of illness representations and adherence at two visits. Blood glucose monitoring frequency and haemoglobin A1c were obtained via chart review. Relationships were examined using structural equation modelling.Results: Illness representations accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in blood glucose monitoring frequency (ΔR2?=?.23, p?.01) and adherence to emergency precautions at Time 1 (ΔR2?=?.07, p?=?.03). Illness representations also accounted for significant variance in blood glucose monitoring frequency (ΔR2?=?.08, p?=?.01), adherence to recommendations for insulin and food (ΔR2?=?.08, p?=?.02) and exercise (ΔR2?=?.10, p?.01), and adherence to emergency precautions (ΔR2?=?.16, p?.01) at Time 2.Conclusion: Illness representations are salient predictors of adherence in this population. Interventions targeting adherence promotion and glycemic control in AYAs with type 1 diabetes may be enhanced by efforts to modify illness representations. |
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Keywords: | illness representations diabetes mellitus type 1 young adults patient compliance |
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