[Model development in nursing science; the construction of a theoretical model]

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory Development
• Health Psychology
• Pediatric Endocrinology

Context:

• Adherence to treatment regimens is crucial for managing diabetes in adolescents.
• Developing robust theoretical models is essential for understanding and improving patient compliance.
• Existing models may not fully capture the complexities of young diabetics' adherence.

Purpose:

• To describe the systematic development of a nursing theoretical model.
• To illustrate the process of building a model for young diabetics' compliance and related factors.
• To present a multi-phase methodology for theory construction and refinement.

Summary:

• A hypothetical model of young diabetics' compliance was inductively developed using interviews, observations, and drawing analysis.
• An instrument to test the model underwent rigorous validation, including content, construct, and reliability testing.
• The model was iteratively tested and refined using quantitative (LISREL, chi-square, discriminant analyses) and qualitative data.

Impact:

• The study successfully constructed a theoretical model of compliance for young diabetics.
• This model provides a framework for future research and interventions aimed at improving adherence in this population.
• The described methodology offers a valuable approach for developing nursing theories and models in other health contexts.