Diabetic adolescents' compliance with health regimens and associated factors

Fifty-one young diabetics responded to a questionnaire concerning compliance and were interviewed on two topics: the meaning of care to the subjects and the nature of their support system. Diabetes control was measured by glycosylated haemoglobin (GHB). Interview data were analysed by continuous comparative analyses. The categories obtained were quantified and the relationship between variables analysed by cross tabulation, chi-square test and discriminant analysis. Those who responded with a good compliance showed good control of diabetes as indicated by GHB values and reported sufficient energy and will-power to implement the health regimens. Those young people who reported that they had sufficient energy and will-power considered care important, received encouragement, felt that care brings well-being and had no fears of complications.