The relationship among six psychosocial domains, age, health care adherence, and metabolic control in adolescents with IDDM.

This pilot study examined the relationship among six psychosocial factors, age, health care compliance, and metabolic control in adolescents with IDDM. Four objectives were identified: 1) to determine whether specific compliance areas predict metabolic control; 2) to determine whether specific psychosocial factors predict metabolic control; 3) to determine whether compliance and psychosocial issues change with age; and 4) to determine whether the parent or the youth is the more accurate predictor of metabolic control. Twenty-one adolescents age 13 through 18 years participated in this study. Dietary compliance was found to be the best predictor of metabolic control. Parents more accurately predicted metabolic control for youths younger than 16 years old, while the reverse was true for older youths. A negative relationship was identified among strong self-concept, high knowledge of IDDM, parental support, and poor metabolic control. Several possible explanations are discussed, including power struggles, coping difficulties, and fear of peer reactions.