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“One and a Half Years of Things We Could Have Done”: Multi-Method Analysis of the Narratives of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Tremolada

    (Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maria Cusinato

    (Pediatric Diabetes Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Alessia D’Agnillo

    (Pediatric Diabetes Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy)

  • Arianna Negri

    (Pediatric Diabetes Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy)

  • Elena Righetto

    (Pediatric Diabetes Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy)

  • Carlo Moretti

    (Pediatric Diabetes Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Public health interventions for COVID-19 forced families to adopt changes in daily routines that affected children’s and adolescents’ psychological well-being. In youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), psychological symptoms may compromise glycemic control and outcomes; however, evidence of improved glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D emerged early during the pandemic. This qualitative study aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents’ with T1D routines, experiences, T1D management, and psychological well-being. Methods: 24 adolescents, aged 15–18 years, with T1D, joined focus-group discussions during the diabetes summer camp. Word frequency analysis and thematic analysis were conducted on adolescents’ narratives. The average frequencies of use of words related to COVID-19 and to T1D were compared by t -test. Results: Word frequency analysis identified “friends”, “family”, and “home” as the most recurrent terms. Seven themes were highlighted: (1) COVID-19 and T1D; (2) emotional reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) changes in daily life; (4) feelings of loss; (5) coping with the COVID-19 pandemic; (6) the COVID-19 pandemic as opportunity; (7) return to (new) normality. COVID-19 related words were on average more frequent than words referring to T1D. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic may have represented a more stressful condition for adolescents with T1D, facing additional challenges compared to their healthy peers. Findings offer directions to the diabetes care team for customized interventions while the effects of the pandemic on adolescents’ health continue.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Tremolada & Maria Cusinato & Alessia D’Agnillo & Arianna Negri & Elena Righetto & Carlo Moretti, 2023. "“One and a Half Years of Things We Could Have Done”: Multi-Method Analysis of the Narratives of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2620-:d:1053633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Justė Lukoševičiūtė & Kastytis Šmigelskas, 2022. "Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Perceptions among Lithuanian Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-15, June.
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