Protective factors in resilient South African youth with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative study

Self-managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be challenging, especially for adolescents in a critical developmental stage. Some adolescents struggle to successfully self-manage T1D and struggle to keep it well-controlled into adulthood. Despite this concern, there is a notable lack of evidence-based research on protective factors and/or resources to support adolescents living with T1D in South Africa.

This study aimed to explore and describe the protective factors of resilience among South African adolescents living with well-controlled T1D.

The study was conducted at the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE) in Parktown, Gauteng, South Africa, a specialised facility offering comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for adolescents with T1D.

A qualitative descriptive research design was used, and seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Four themes emerged from the data: Just do it: Commit to the diabetes care plan; It takes a village to raise a child living with diabetes; The silver lining of developing positive characteristics and It's a process of continuously learning about T1D.

Internal abilities (planning, taking responsibility, perseverance and determinism) and external resources (parents, family members, school, mentors) foster positive outcomes and adjustment for adolescents with well-controlled T1D. The potential for adolescents with T1D to use available internal abilities and external resources in managing their diabetes could be beneficial to the successful management of T1D.Contribution: The study addressed a gap in understanding protective factors involved in the successful self-management of adolescents living with well-controlled T1D in South Africa.