Examining Medical and Demographic Associations With the Diabetes Management Questionnaire Among Racially Minoritized...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes management in youth requires effective tools.
• Racial and ethnic minorities often face unique challenges in healthcare.
• The Diabetes Management Questionnaire (DMQ) assesses diabetes self-care behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate demographic and diabetes-related factors associated with the DMQ in racially minoritized youth with type 1 diabetes.
• To assess the psychometric properties of the DMQ in this population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational study design was used.
• 60 racially minoritized youth (ages 10-15) and their caregivers completed the DMQ at baseline.
• Participants were enrolled in a behavioral intervention for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use.

Main Results:

• Only child age correlated with caregiver DMQ scores; no other demographic or medical variables (including A1C) showed significant associations.
• Youth in this sample reported higher adherence on the DMQ compared to other samples, despite a higher mean A1C (10.6%).

Conclusions:

• The DMQ demonstrated weaker psychometric properties in racially minoritized families compared to its validation sample.
• Existing questionnaires need re-evaluation in diverse populations to account for structural factors influencing diabetes management and A1C.