Young and motivated for self-care? An interview study with young adults suffering from type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Europe has the largest number of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 286,000 in total. One major goal in diabetes care is to minimise the risk of complications among patients by glycaemic control, medical check-ups and education to support patients’ self-management and quality of life. The aim of the current study was designed to explore young adults’ with type 1 diabetes and their motivation for self-care.Methods: The present study had a qualitative design with a descriptive approach. A purposeful sample of eight (n = 8) young adults with type 1 diabetes and HbA1c > 70 mmol/mol were interviewed. A semi-structured interview with four open-ended questions was chosen as the method. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: The results revealed factors both promoting and hindering self-care. The first main category was “Factors promoting motivation for self-care” with three sub-categories: (1) feeling safe and getting support, (2) experiencing control over own life, and (3) striving for wellbeing and meaning in life. The second main category was “Factors that hindered motivation for self-care” with two sub-categories: (1) feelings of vulnerability, and (2) feeling excluded.Conclusions: According to the results, motivation increases with positive response. Therefore a positive approach is of utmost importance when young adults come to the clinic for check-ups. Trying to always find something positive is of great significance for motivation and self-care. The focus should be on health and good experiences in life.

Lifestyle in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…Emotional responses such as 'distress', specifically termed 'diabetes distress' or 'burnout', are commonly identified. Among the most prevalent emotions and feelings are denial, frustration, fear, worry, boredom, fatigue, demotivation, indignation, loneliness, misunderstanding, guilt, shame, exhaustion, emotional tension, sense of invincibility, and shock [25,32,34,35,37,40,41,44,45,48,51].…”

“…Emerging adults frequently seek advice on managing these behaviors in conjunction with their condition from healthcare providers [28,47]. However, they often face barriers, such as a lack of trust or unrealistic advice that fails to align with their lifestyle and situational realities [32,33,41,47]. This disconnect not only pertains to risky behaviors but also extends to their overall lifestyle management, further complicating their emotional and psychosocial experience [34,40,47,49].…”

“…This research delves into the self-perception of individuals within this demographic category and how they perceive relevant aspects of their environment, inevitably influencing their self-view [26,38,52]. It is observed that such adults often consider themselves distinct from their peers, a distinction stemming from the unique challenges associated with managing their illness [24,27,29,41,48]. Additionally, a perceived lack of understanding is highlighted, where empathy is often found only among those sharing their condition [41,55].…”

“…It is observed that such adults often consider themselves distinct from their peers, a distinction stemming from the unique challenges associated with managing their illness [24,27,29,41,48]. Additionally, a perceived lack of understanding is highlighted, where empathy is often found only among those sharing their condition [41,55].…”

“…In the context of self-care for emerging adults with T1DM, various factors have been identified that either facilitate or hinder this essential practice [55]. Key facilitators include the development of routines, schedules, and effective supply management, encompassing both physical and mental planning [25,36,37,41,47]. Crucial to this process is the interaction with friendly and communicative health professionals who understand and meet the realistic, individual needs of this life stage, moving beyond standardized care approaches [28,37,41,49].…”