Creating an adolescent intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment for type 1 diabetes: Feedback from the target population

Background

The prevalence of obesity among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has significantly increased over the past few decades, leading to increased risks for morbidity and early mortality. Despite this growing need, there is a dearth of evidence-based intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatments (IHBLT) for youth with T1D. This study collected qualitative data from adolescents with T1D and with comorbid overweight/obesity and their caregivers to inform the refinement of an IHBLT specific to adolescents with T1D.

Methods

This is an original clinical research study. Participants completed individual semi-structured interviews to provide feedback on planned session topics, handouts, and activities for a modified IHBLT for T1D. A deductive framework matrix analysis approach was used to analyze data. All data were analyzed by two independent coders who met to discuss divergence in coding and came to 100 % agreement. Codes were iteratively reduced and organized into themes.

Results

Sixteen participants (n = 8 adolescents, n = 8 caregivers) completed qualitative interviews. Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) satisfaction with the proposed program, (2) program structure preferences, and (3) suggested adaptations.

Conclusions

The adapted IHBLT for adolescents with T1D seems to be initially acceptable to the target population. Results provide suggestions for the continued refinement of an IHBLT specific to adolescents with T1D.