Abstract

SPINOLA, Jessica  and  SILVA, Cláudia Mendes. Perception of barriers to type 1 diabetes control in teenagers. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2018, vol.19, n.3, pp.669-681. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/18psd190316.

Adherence to treatments and self-care activities in Type 1 Diabetes, such as insulin administration, glycemic monitoring, and the adoption of healthy and adequate eating habits, physical activity and hygiene, is essential for the management and good control of diabetes. The present study aimed to explore and understand the difficulties in control of Type 1 Diabetes perceived by teenagers diagnosed with the disease and its caregivers. The sample consisted of 10 teenagers, aged between 10 and 16 years, as well as their mothers, in a total of 20 participants. The study was based on a qualitative approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using content analysis, complemented by three self-assessment instruments to assess diabetes self-efficacy, family behavior and barriers to treatment of Diabetes. The results pointed to restricted food choices compared to peers, the pain and discomfort associated to some medical procedures and the feeling of insatiable hunger as greater barriers perceived by young people in diabetes management. Regarding mothers' perspective, main obstacles to diabetes control were food restrictions, feelings of anger and non-acceptance, feelings of responsibility, pressure and stress on teenagers and emotional lability typical of adolescence.

Keywords : type 1 diabetes; therapeutic adherence; teenagers; barriers to treatment.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )