Peer Interaction and Group Education for Adaptation to Disease in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To evaluate the effects of group interaction and training in the adaptation process to disease in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods: This experimental study with pre- and post-test control groups was conducted in the pediatric endocrine clinic at a university hospital. The data were collected through descriptive data form, social support assessment scale, self-esteem inventory and information form. The data collection forms were administered four times with 3-month intervals to the study and control groups. Training, peer interaction and social support attempts were provided to the study group.

Results: After the training and peer interaction, it was determined that there was a decrease in HbA1c levels and an increase in self-esteem (p<0.001) and mean scores of social support (p<0.05), and significant increase in knowledge levels (p<0.001). As for the adolescents in the control group, it was determined that there was no change in their HbA1c levels (p>0.05), and that there was no difference in their self-esteem scores, mean knowledge levels (p>0.05) in comparison with their pre-test scores.

Conclusion: The training and peer interaction in adolescents were found to be effective in the adaptation process to the disease.