OBJECTIVE: Research on how adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) understand and use social support is limited. Therefore, we explored how adolescents with T2DM experience and perceive social support. METHODS: Adolescents with T2DM were interviewed, and data were qualitatively analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: support for nondiabetes and diabetes-specific behaviors, feelings of belonging, and disclosure. All participants expressed emotional and self-care-specific support. For some, disclosure and a sense of belonging with others who had diabetes often led to support elicitation. Participants also expressed a fear of disclosing their diabetes to others. DISCUSSION: Adolescents with T2DM value tangible and emotional support for behaviors both related and not related to diabetes. Fear of disclosure was a typical experience with disclosure often limited to close friends and family. Recommendations for health professionals to assist adolescents in promoting appropriate disclosure and means of requesting support are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: Research on how adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) understand and use social support is limited. Therefore, we explored how adolescents with T2DM experience and perceive social support. METHODS: Adolescents with T2DM were interviewed, and data were qualitatively analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: support for nondiabetes and diabetes-specific behaviors, feelings of belonging, and disclosure. All participants expressed emotional and self-care-specific support. For some, disclosure and a sense of belonging with others who had diabetes often led to support elicitation. Participants also expressed a fear of disclosing their diabetes to others. DISCUSSION: Adolescents with T2DM value tangible and emotional support for behaviors both related and not related to diabetes. Fear of disclosure was a typical experience with disclosure often limited to close friends and family. Recommendations for health professionals to assist adolescents in promoting appropriate disclosure and means of requesting support are discussed.
Authors: Amelia J Lake; Jessica L Browne; Charles Abraham; Dee Tumino; Carolyn Hines; Gwyneth Rees; Jane Speight Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2018-05-31 Impact factor: 2.655