Self-management and attributes of juveniles with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-reported self-management of juveniles with IDDM and the factors influencing self-management. Sixty-eight subjects, ranging from the fourth grade of primary school to the third year of junior high school, were recruited from the enrollment list of the Taipei IDDM Registry and from the list of the Kang-Tai IDDM Association. Results illustrated that patient's age, educational level, knowledge about IDDM, self-concept, and family rearing behaviors had significant associations with some aspects of self-management. Intensive health education or counselling for patients and their parents is highly recommended in order to improve their knowledge, self-management practice and psychosocial adjustment.