Peer Interaction and Group Education for Adaptation to Disease in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

To evaluate the effects of group interaction and training in the adaptation process to disease in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

This experimental study with pre- and post-test control groups was conducted in the pediatric endocrine clinic at a university hospital. The data were collected through descriptive data form, social support assessment scale, self-esteem inventory and information form. The data collection forms were administered four times with 3-month intervals to the study and control groups. Training, peer interaction and social support attempts were provided to the study group.

After the training and peer interaction, it was determined that there was a decrease in HbA1c levels and an increase in self-esteem (p<0.001) and mean scores of social support (p<0.05), and significant increase in knowledge levels (p<0.001). As for the adolescents in the control group, it was determined that there was no change in their HbA1c levels (p>0.05), and that there was no difference in their self-esteem scores, mean knowledge levels (p>0.05) in comparison with their pre-test scores.

The training and peer interaction in adolescents were found to be effective in the adaptation process to the disease.