Work

Barriers to healthy behaviors: perspectives from teens with comorbid Type 1 diabetes and overweight/obesity, caregivers, and pediatric endocrinologists

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand barriers to engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents with comorbid Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and overweight/obesity (n = 12), their caregivers (n = 12), and pediatric endocrinologists (n = 9). METHODS: Participants (n = 33) completed individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and applied thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: Results from adolescents, caregivers, and pediatric endocrinologists revealed three thematic barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviors for adolescents with T1D and overweight/obesity: (1) discomfort with aspects of T1D that draw attention to the self; (2) T1D as a barrier to engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors; and (3) physiological dysregulation due to T1D impacting health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Results identify perceived limitations to engaging in recommended healthy lifestyle behaviors and diabetes management concurrently. Results may assist research and clinical care in identifying supports and guidance needed to support adolescents in meeting behavioral recommendations for their health.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae086

Authors: Jennifer L Warnick, Katherine E Darling, Lisa Swartz Topor, Elissa Jelalian

Institutions: Brown University, Miriam Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Education

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Israel National Road Safety Authority, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases