Family and culture in type 1 diabetes transition care: a mini review

Transition readiness interventions support the health and independence of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare. A theoretical model of transition readiness emphasizes the importance of family and culture in AYA disease management. Yet, it remains unclear how family and culture are currently incorporated into T1D transition readiness interventions and how such factors may support AYAs during this transition. This mini review summarizes the literature and its gaps regarding family and culture in T1D transition interventions to assist in the continued refinement of such interventions. Of the 524 articles reviewed, only 16 met inclusion criteria (e.g., about T1D transition readiness intervention, discusses family or cultural factors). Six (37.5 %) T1D transition interventions involved a family component alone, four (25 %) incorporated cultural components alone, and six (37.5 %) included both a cultural and a family component. The level of caregiver involvement in these interventions ranged from none to caregiver-specific materials or education. Although culture was considered in multiple interventions, only one directly addressed family/cultural values. Future interventions should consider how to adapt transition readiness interventions to AYA and familial cultural beliefs, thereby optimizing AYA diabetes self-management behaviors and independence during transition to adult care.