Young and motivated for self-care? An interview study with young adults suffering from type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Europe has the largest number of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 286,000 in total. One major goal in diabetes care is to minimise the risk of complications among patients by glycaemic control, medical check-ups and education to support patients’ self-management and quality of life. The aim of the current study was designed to explore young adults’ with type 1 diabetes and their motivation for self-care.
Methods: The present study had a qualitative design with a descriptive approach. A purposeful sample of eight (n = 8) young adults with type 1 diabetes and HbA1c > 70 mmol/mol were interviewed. A semi-structured interview with four open-ended questions was chosen as the method. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: The results revealed factors both promoting and hindering self-care. The first main category was “Factors promoting motivation for self-care” with three sub-categories: (1) feeling safe and getting support, (2) experiencing control over own life, and (3) striving for wellbeing and meaning in life. The second main category was “Factors that hindered motivation for self-care” with two sub-categories: (1) feelings of vulnerability, and (2) feeling excluded.
Conclusions: According to the results, motivation increases with positive response. Therefore a positive approach is of utmost importance when young adults come to the clinic for check-ups. Trying to always find something positive is of great significance for motivation and self-care. The focus should be on health and good experiences in life.