Interventions to Promote Diabetes Self-Management in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Diabetes Self-Management Research
• Occupational Therapy Interventions

Background:

• Children and adolescents with diabetes increasingly require self-management skills as they age.
• Effective interventions are crucial for supporting youth in managing their condition.
• Existing literature on self-management interventions for pediatric diabetes needs synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of research on self-management interventions for children and youth with diabetes.
• To identify key components and approaches used in existing interventions.
• To inform occupational therapy practitioners on selecting appropriate interventions for pediatric diabetes care.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review methodology was employed.
• Eleven studies met the predefined inclusion criteria.
• Literature search focused on self-management education and support interventions.

Main Results:

• The majority of reviewed studies focused on adolescents aged 14 years and older.
• Interventions commonly provided self-management education, support, or a combination of both.
• Parental involvement was a significant component in most interventions, and technology was utilized in three studies.

Conclusions:

• Self-management interventions for pediatric diabetes are diverse, often targeting older adolescents.
• Parental engagement and technological integration are notable trends in current interventions.
• Findings provide valuable insights for occupational therapists collaborating on pediatric diabetes management teams to optimize intervention selection.