Self-Management Interventions in Young Adults (18–30 Years) With Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Fluctuating chronic conditions (FCC) in young adults aged 18–30 years, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), sickle cell disease (SCD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), present unique self-management challenges due to unpredictable symptom patterns that disrupt daily life. Tailored self-management interventions are essential for improving quality of life and health outcomes in this population. This scoping review synthesizes the literature on self-management interventions for young adults with T1D, SCD, and IBD, focusing on key concepts, intervention components, barriers, facilitators, and underlying theoretical frameworks. A systematic search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for studies in English published between January 2003 and January 2025. Studies were included if they examined self-management interventions for T1D, SCD, or IBD in young adults aged 18–30 years. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Key interventions identified included structured educational programs, digital health tools, and peer support networks. Across different conditions, common themes emerged emphasizing patient education, empowerment, self-regulation, and psychosocial support. Interventions that integrated technology with peer support demonstrated improved engagement and health outcomes. Despite the diversity of approaches, there remains a need for more developmentally appropriate, inclusive interventions that address both condition-specific and shared challenges faced by young adults with FCC. This review highlights gaps in the current evidence base and underscores the importance of personalized, technology-enabled strategies to optimize self-management and health outcomes for this population.