Graduate Program

Family and Consumer Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2009

Thesis Director

Karla Kennedy-Hagan

Thesis Committee Member

Melanie Burns

Thesis Committee Member

Richard Wilkinson

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research adult persons with type 1 diabetes and determine what factors played a role in both compliance and non-compliance of their diabetes management as an adolescent. The purpose was also to determine what factors may have caused an adolescent to be non-compliant throughout their adolescent years but who in adulthood became compliant.

Managing diabetes throughout adolescence can be difficult with many changes occurring both hormonally and socially. A medium sized hospital in the Midwest was used to obtain participants for this study. Questionnaires were distributed to patients at their medical appointments. There were 14 participants that completed the questionnaire portion and eight participants that completed the phone or personal interview. Both instruments used for the research were created by the researcher. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions asking demographic information and retrospective thoughts on what may have contributed to their diabetes management during adolescence.

This study did not find any statistical significance among the participants. Individuals had been compliant throughout adolescence therefore not allowing the researcher to determine what issues may have increased the risk for non-compliance during adolescence. Many participants did not have accurate diabetes equipment during their adolescent years making it more difficult for them to closely manage their diabetes. Many of the participants did not have access to an outpatient dietitian during their adolescence, therefore it was difficult for them to accurately answer the questions related to seeing a dietitian.

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