Family Perspectives of Components of a Diabetes Transition Program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Adolescent Health
• Chronic Illness Management

Background:

• Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is a critical phase for adolescents with diabetes.
• Effective self-management skills and high self-efficacy are crucial for successful long-term diabetes control.
• Understanding dyad perspectives is key to optimizing transition support programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate adolescent/parent perceptions of a diabetes transition program.
• Assess knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors in adolescents with diabetes.
• Examine congruency in perceived transition needs and identify helpful program components.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cross-sectional study guided by the individual and family self-management theory.
• 45 adolescent/parent dyads from a pediatric diabetes program completed questionnaires.
• Analyses included frequencies, correlations, Cronbach's alpha, and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• High levels of knowledge and self-efficacy were reported by dyads.
• Discrepancies noted in understanding crucial transition behaviors (e.g., HbA1C targets, ketone monitoring).
• Adolescents found provider communication and program materials helpful, with parental involvement being most beneficial for transition.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes transition programs can significantly improve adolescent self-efficacy and self-management.
• Recognizing the collaborative strengths of parents, adolescents, and providers is vital for a successful transition process.
• Targeted interventions addressing specific knowledge gaps can enhance diabetes self-management during transition.