Quality of life and diabetes knowledge of young persons with type 1 diabetes: Influence of treatment modalities and demographics

The primary objective of this descriptive study was to assess the perception of quality of life and diabetes knowledge among young persons with type 1 diabetes. The secondary objectives were to examine the influence of treatment modality (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections) and demographics on quality of life and diabetes knowledge of these young persons and to determine the associations between the study variables. Participants aged 9 to 17 years (n=103) completed the diabetes-specific measure of quality of life and a diabetes knowledge test. Parents of these young persons completed a history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent t tests, and Pearson’s correlations were used to analyze the data. Overall, diabetes-specific measure of quality-of-life scores indicated good quality of life among the study population. Mean scores on the impact, worry, and satisfaction subscales did not indicate negative perceptions of the disease. Body mass index was significantly inversely correlated with the satisfaction scale (r=−0.247, P=.023). Self-rated health was negatively correlated with the impact (r=−0.221, P=.038) and worry scale (r=−0.294, P=.004) and positively correlated with the satisfaction scale (r=0.291, P=.004). Seventy-two percent correct responses were given on the diabetes knowledge test. Knowledge was significantly correlated to diabetes diagnosis age (r=0.276, P=.009) and current age (r=0.453, P=.0005). No significant differences were observed between participants using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections in regard to diabetes-specific measure of quality of life and diabetes knowledge test. In our study, young persons with type 1 diabetes had a positive perception of their quality of life and above-average diabetes knowledge, which were influenced by several factors, such as self-rated health, body mass index, and age at diagnosis. Dietetics professionals should assess perceived quality of life and knowledge among young persons with type 1 diabetes because these factors can potentially influence disease management and treatment compliance.