Developing and Testing an Intervention to Reduce Distress in Mothers of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

To develop and pilot test a program to meet the needs of mothers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improve outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

We conducted focus groups with mothers of adolescents to identify needs and develop a cognitive behavioral intervention aimed at reducing maternal distress, improving parenting practices, and reducing family conflict. This intervention was pilot tested in a randomized trial; mothers were randomized to either the Coping & Communication (N=15) intervention or Usual Care (N=15). Mothers and adolescents completed questionnaires measuring distress, parenting, and family conflict pre- and post-intervention, and HbA1c values were obtained from adolescents' medical records pre- and post-intervention.

Intervention materials (Communication & Coping) received high scores on health literacy and engagement. There was a significant Time × Group interaction for maternal diabetes distress, family conflict (as reported by both mothers and adolescents) and adolescent quality of life. Mothers and adolescents randomized to the intervention group reported significant improvements on these factors as compared to those randomized to usual care.

The Communication & Coping program was developed by adapting existing interventions proven to reduce depressive symptoms and improve parenting practices to address the specific needs of mothers of adolescents with T1D. The program shows promise for not only reducing distress in mothers, but also for improving adolescent outcomes, possibly through reductions in family conflict.