Problems with diabetes management in adolescents with type 1 diabetes are common - occurring at rates as high as 93% - and have serious health consequences, including poor blood sugar control and risk for later complications. Therefore, the investigators proposed to test a positive psychology intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes aimed at increasing motivation for diabetes management; specifically, to increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring. This intervention will boost positive mood in adolescents (age 13-17) through tailored exercises in gratitude, self-affirmation, small gifts, and parent affirmation as a way to improve motivation for diabetes management. In addition, this study will explore the use of technology, by comparing telephone-administered vs. automated text-messaging versions of the intervention, to determine which mode of delivery is more appealing, convenient, and beneficial for adolescents in managing their diabetes. Participants and parents will complete questionnaires on mood and diabetes management during a routine clinic visits at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Clinical measures of diabetes management will be collected from participants' electronic medical records.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
Positive psychology intervention to improve motivation for diabetes management.
Educational materials on diabetes management
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Glycemic Control (HbA1c)
HbA1c measured as part of diabetes clinic visit. The target for children and adolescents is \<7.5%.
Time frame: 6 months
Frequency of Blood Glucose Monitoring
Glucometer download to determine blood glucose checks per day.
Time frame: 6 months
Diabetes-Related Quality of Life
The Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Diabetes-Specific Module assesses adolescents' self-reported quality of life. Scaled scores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Time frame: 6 months
Family Conflict
Diabetes-specific family conflict was measured with the Revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale, which consists of 19 items regarding how much adolescents and parents argue about diabetes management tasks. Scores range from 19-57, and higher scores indicate greater conflict.
Time frame: 6 months
Positive Affect
Positive affect measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale for children (PANAS-C). The positive affect scale consists of 15 items. Scores range from 15-75, and higher scores indicate higher levels of positive affect.
Time frame: 6 months
Coping
Responses to Stress Questionnaire measures coping strategies used in response to diabetes-related stress. Scores range from 57-228, and higher scores indicate more responses to stress.
Time frame: 6 months
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