Adherence and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: The Moderating Role of Age, Gender, and Family Support

Impact of family environment on mental disorders and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study and intervention policy analysis

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is common in adolescents and negatively affects their quality of life and mental health. This study examines the impact of family environment on mental disorders and quality of life in adolescents with T1DM and analyzes related intervention policies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 adolescents with T1DM admitted between October 2020 and December 2023, with 75 healthy adolescents as a control group. Assessments included SCARED, DSRSC, FES, SCL-90, and PedsQL 4.0. Correlation analysis explored the relationships between family environment, anxiety, depression, quality of life and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C).

Results

Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the T1DM and control groups in family conflict, independence, harmony, and emotional expression. The T1DM group had higher anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life. Family cohesion was negatively correlated with mental state, anxiety, depression, and HbA1C, while emotional expression was positively correlated with role functioning.

Conclusion

The family environment significantly impacts the mental health and quality of life of adolescents with T1DM. Enhancing emotional expression and family cohesion can improve outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Relationship among nursing support for parents of adolescents diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, parental monitoring of adolescents and the self-efficacy of adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the connection between parental monitoring in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the self-efficacy of adolescents with diabetes, and nurse assistance provided to parents of adolescents with T1DM.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of 115 adolescents aged 10-18 with T1DM and their parents. Study data were collected through the "Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale in Adolescents with T1DM", "Introductory Information Form", "Nurse-Parent Support Tool (NPST)" and "Parental Monitoring of Diabetes Care Questionnaire in Adolescents with T1DM".

RESULTS

Only 31.3 % of the study adolescent participants reported monitoring their blood sugar less than four times per day, and the frequency of blood sugar monitoring increased with increasing parental supervision (p = 0.021). When diabetes was managed only by parents, adolescents' perceptions of their self-management were statistically significant and high (p = 0.015). Neither the level of nurse-parent support nor the connection between parental monitoring and adolescents' self-efficacy was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with T1DM should receive support from both parents and medical professionals. In particular, nurses should closely inquire about the adolescent's and family's disease management strategies during hospital visits and health monitoring.

The effect of social support and parental monitoring on glycaemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

RATIONALE

Glycaemic control is a crucial aspect of managing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Strict glycaemic control has been proven to reduce the long-term complications of the disease.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of parental involvement in diabetes care and social support on glycaemic control in adolescents with T1DM.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 94 adolescents and their parents admitted to a university hospital between January and July 2023 were included in the study. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (PMDC-R) and Parental Monitoring Scale (MSPSS) in Diabetes Care of Adolescents with T1DM were used as data collection tools.

RESULTS

Females constituted 63.8% of the adolescents who participated in the study and the glycaemic control of females was significantly lower than males (p < 0.05). The mean HbA1c of the adolescents was 8.65 + 1.57. In the study, PMDC-R and MSPSS scores of adolescents with good and poor glycaemic control were compared. The PMDC-R of the good control group were statistically significantly higher than the poor control group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the MSPSS scores.

CONCLUSION

Parental supervision plays a protective role in adolescents, and glycaemic control is better as parental supervision increases. Paediatric nurses should collaborate with parents in diabetes management. This approach may help adolescents to be more successful in diabetes management.

Parents' perspectives of factors affecting parent-adolescent communication about type 1 diabetes and negotiation of self-management responsibilities

Adolescence is an important time in which young people take on type 1 diabetes (T1D) self-management responsibility. Parents are key facilitators of this process. Little is known about parents' experiences of communicating with their children about T1D during adolescence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 parents (24 mothers and 8 fathers) of adolescents (11-17 years) living with T1D to explore how parents communicate about T1D and self-management with their adolescent children. Parents were recruited through two national child and adolescent diabetes and endocrine clinics and online advertisement through a national diabetes advocacy organisation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Six themes were identified: parent factors, quality of the parent-adolescent relationship, communication strategies, adolescent factors, communication triggers and family/system factors. Understanding factors that impact communication about self-management between parents and adolescents will enable healthcare professionals to provide support and targeted interventions as parent and adolescent roles change over time.

Influence of socioeconomic factors on glycemic control, therapeutic adherence and quality of life in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To stablish the relationship between socioeconomic status of a cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with glycemic control, therapeutic adherence and diabetes quality of life (DQoL).

PATIENTS Y METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study with consecutive inclusion was carried out. Participants aged 8-18 years with T1D duration >1 year. Data on family structure, family income, parents' educational level and parental role on primary diabetes care supervision were registered. Adherence (DMQ-Sp) and DQoL (PedsQl) were analyzed. Linear and logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, family structure and parental role on primary diabetes care responsibility were applied.

RESULTS

A total of 323 patients (T1D duration 5,3 ± 3,3 years; HbA1c 7,7 ± 1,0%; age 13,3 ± 2,8 years; 49,8% females) were included. Patients living in a nuclear family and those whose main diabetes care supervision was shared by both parents showed lower HbA1c [adjusted for demographics and family structure (7,06; CI 95% 6,52-7,59); adjusted for demographics and role on primary diabetes care supervision (7,43; CI 95% 6,57-8,28)]. DMQ-Sp score (adjusted for demographics and role on main supervision) was higher in patients whose parents shared the diabetes care supervision (84,56; CI 95% 73,93-95,19). Parents sharing diabetes care supervision showed a significantly higher PedsQl score (both 74,63 ± 12,70 vs mother 68,53 ± 14,59; p = 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with T1D had lower HbA1c, better therapeutic adherence and better DQoL when lived in a nuclear family, with higher socioeconomic status and the responsibility for supervising diabetes care was shared by both parents.

Information needs on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its management in children and adolescents: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the information needs related to insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the children's perspectives as well as their caregivers.

DESIGN

Qualitative study; semistructured interviews. To identify emerging themes relating to information needs, open coding and thematic analysis were employed.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from a tertiary care children's hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a specialist hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty one children with a mean age of 11.5 years (SD=1.9) and their caregivers were interviewed. Seventeen participants were from Malaysia and 14 were from Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

Four themes of information emerged from the interviews, including information related to (1) hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, (2) insulin therapy, (3) injection technique and (4) other information needs pertaining to continuous glucose monitoring, access to peer groups and future advances in insulin therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study provided valuable insights into the information needs related to T1DM and insulin therapy among children and adolescents with T1DM that should be considered by stakeholders in the development of age-appropriate education materials. Such materials will assist children and adolescents to better manage their life-long T1DM condition from adolescence until adulthood.

Assessing the readiness to transition to adult care, perceived medication barriers, and glycemic control among teens with type 1 diabetes

AIM

This study assessed the readiness to transition (RT) from pediatric to adult care, perceived medication barriers (PMB), and glycemic control in teens with type one diabetes (T1D).

BACKGROUND

During the transition from pediatric to adult care, teens with T1D are at risk of long-term complications related to impaired adherence. With the increasing prevalence of T1D in Saudi Arabia, research is required to identify the challenges facing teens with T1D during their transition.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study with a convenient sample of 83 adolescents (12-17 years old) diagnosed with T1D for ≥6 months, their parents, and their pediatric endocrinologists from the pediatric endocrinology clinic in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. The RT Questionnaire was used to measure RT, and the Medication Barriers Scale was used to measure PMB. Glycemic control was measured using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESULTS

About 96 % of teens had HbA1c > 7 %. Male teens had higher HbA1c than female teens. Teens and their parents reported high PMB and low RT. PMB (teens), disease duration, family history of diabetes mellitus, and comorbidity were significant predictors of RT (parents). PMB (teens), teens' age, and having a family history of diabetes mellitus were significant predictors of RT (providers). RT (parents) and RT (providers) were the only significant predictors of HbA1c, with RT (providers) being the strongest predictors of HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Health policy reform is required to develop national RT programs to prepare teens with T1D to take full responsibility for managing their medical conditions while ensuring adherence.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Psychopathology, Uncertainty and Alexithymia: A Clinical and Differential Exploratory Study

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents a complex pathology affecting a large number of people. Research suggests that psychological factors influence coping with T1DM. This study aimed to investigate the presence and role of psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people affected by T1DM. The sample consisted of 137 patients (88 females, 49 males) affected by T1DM aged from 11 to 19 years old (Mean: 13.87; SD: 2.40). The diagnostic protocol consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, Self-administration Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and Intolerance to Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12). Descriptive, differential, correlational and regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationships between these variables. The results suggested the sample had high levels of psychopathological indexes, alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. Also, there were significant differences between TAS-20 and IUS-12 distributions with respect to psychopathology. Correlations and multivariate linear regressions indicated age, gender and education significantly predicted alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. This data suggest the presence of elevated psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people with diabetes.

Mediterranean diet adherence and glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

To effectively manage type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin is essential, with dosages based on lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet has demonstrated its advantages in preventing and enhancing the management of chronic diseases. Our objective was to investigate the potential mediation of sensor activity on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and glycemic control in children and adolescents. A total of 150 children and adolescents (mean age = 13.09, SD = 3.54; 44% female) with T1D were recruited. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire which evaluates 16 items and gives higher scores when adherence is higher. Glycemic control and the duration of sensor activity were evaluated with data from flash glucose monitoring. The data confirmed our hypothesis by revealing that adherence to the Mediterranean diet positively influenced glycemic control (direct effect = 1.505; P < 0.01) and that this relationship was mediated by the duration of sensor activity (indirect effect = 0.531; P < 0.01).  Conclusions: Our results support the increased utilization of glycemic control devices, as they contribute to improve glycemic control and mediate on the positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and adequate glycemic control. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of incorporating Mediterranean diet recommendations to achieve better glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D. What is Known: • The Mediterranean diet and glycemic control have proven benefits in improving cardiovascular health in the general population. Scarce evidence exists of these benefits among children and adolescents with T1D. What is New: • Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and greater use of glucose monitoring devices in children and adolescents with T1D are related to better glycemic control. These variables can be enhanced by psychoeducational interventions such as structured diabetes education programs or peer group-based sessions, which highlights the importance of focusing on these aspects.

Metabolic control and quality of life in type 1 diabetes: Do adherence, family support, and school support matter?

This study analyzed the relationship between clinical and demographic variables, family support, school support, and adherence on adolescents' metabolic control and quality of life (QoL) based on Adaptation to Chronic Disease in Childhood's model. The sample included 100 adolescents and 100 parents. Adolescents were assessed on adherence, family support, school support, and QoL. Parents were assessed on family functioning and parental coping. A path analysis was performed to assess the adequacy of the theoretical model to the sample. Daily glycemic monitoring was associated with better metabolic control and diabetes hospitalizations with worse metabolic control. The final model showed adherence, family support, school support, and family functioning having an indirect effect on the relationship between adolescence stage, number of daily glycemic monitorings, number of hospitalizations, and metabolic control/QoL. Adherence had an indirect effect on the relationship between glycemic monitoring and family and school support, suggesting that adolescents need both types of support to perform diabetes self-care tasks. QoL showed a direct effect on metabolic control revealing the importance of QoL in the design of interventions to promote metabolic control in adolescents.

Diabetes representations on adherence and quality of life: Do parents and adolescents differ?

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most frequent chronic diseases in adolescents. To manage diabetes and prevent complications, a set of self-care behaviors needs to be implemented into family daily routines. This study analyzed diabetes representations in adolescents and their parents, the dissimilarities between them, and the relationship between illness dissimilarities and adherence/quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The sample included 200 participants: 100 adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 100 parents who accompanied the adolescents. Adolescents were assessed on adherence (Self-Care Inventory-Revised), quality of life (Diabetes QoL) and family support (Diabetes Family Behavior Scale). Both adolescents and parents were assessed on illness representations (Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire). Dissimilarities in illness representations between parents and adolescents were performed using Olsen et al's proposal. Parents showed a more negative representation of diabetes than adolescents. Adolescents' illness representations, the dissimilarities between adolescents' and parents' illness representations, and family support were associated with adolescents' adherence and QoL. Higher family support moderated the relationship between the dissimilarity in timeline representations and QoL, explaining 17.8% of the variance on QoL. Adolescent's  gender (male) was a moderator in the relationship between adolescent's coherence and QoL, explaining 18.6% of the variance on QoL. Adolescent's gender (female) was a moderator in the relationship between timeline and QoL, explaining 11.9% of the variance on QoL. Being a male parent was a moderator in the relationship between adolescent's concerns and QoL, explaining 13.5% of the variance on QoL. Intervention programs should focus on illness representations, particularly on the dissimilarities between adolescents and parents, as well as on family support in order to promote adolescents' adherence and QoL.

Disordered eating and behaviors among young Egyptians with type 1 diabetes: risk factors and comorbidities

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to assess occurrence of eating disorders and its nature, associated risk factors, and comorbidities in a cohort of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 138 patients were recruited to complete three questionnaires for assessment of eating disorder (ED); Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and Eat Behavior questionnaire (ORTO-15) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire version 6 (EDE-Q6) to assess diabetes-related medical outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients were categorized as having an ED according to predetermined cutoff value for each questionnaire. Of the 138 patients, 24 (17.4%) had risk for EDs by EAT-26 score, 53 (38.4%) have got orthorexia nervosa by ORTO-15 and 45 (32.6%) were having a disordered eating behavior by EDE-Q6. Patients with risk of EDs had lower mean ORTO-15 score (p=0.01), and higher mean Global EDE-Q6 (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between EAT-26 scores and both age (p<0.0001) and body mass index (p<0.0001). ORTO-15 score was correlated with duration of diabetes (p=0.0418). Diabetic ketoacidosis, peripheral neuropathy, and microalbuminuria occurred frequently in patients with ED high score. Hypoglycemic episodes were reported more in those with high EAT-26 or Global EDE-Q6 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical EDs and abnormal eating behaviors are common in Egyptian adolescents with T1D.

Increased Levels of HbA1c in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: A Meta-Analysis of 34 Studies with 68,398 Participants

Glycosylated hemoglobin is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus and assess metabolic control. Depression itself has been associated with high levels of HbA1c in individuals with T2DM. The association between diabetes and depression suggests the usefulness of determining HbA1c as a biological marker of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM with vs. without depression. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of pharmacological treatments, time of evolution, and complications of disease. We performed a literature search in different databases published up to January 2020. A total of 34 articles were included. Our results showed that individuals with T2DM with depression showed increased levels of HbA1c in comparison to individuals with T2DM without depression (d = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.12−0.29, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 85.00). We also found that HbA1c levels remained elevated in individuals with T2DM with depression who were taking hypoglycemic drugs (d = 0.20 95% CI: 0.11−0.30, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 86.80), in individuals with less than 10 years of evolution (d = 0.17 95% CI: 0.09−0.26, p(Z) = 0.001; I2 = 66.03) and in individuals with complications of the disease (d = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07−0.26, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 58.41). Our results show that HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM with depression are significantly increased compared to controls with T2DM without depression. Additionally, these levels remained elevated in individuals who were taking hypoglycemic drugs, those with less than 10 years of disease evolution, and those with complications related to diabetes. It is necessary to examine the existence of a diabetes−HbA1c−depression connection.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Well-Being and Diabetes Management of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Caregivers: A Scoping Review

The Covid-19 pandemic and its related restriction measures might negatively impact diabetes management and well-being of adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and their caregivers. Accordingly, the present scoping review is aimed at mapping the literature in line with the question "How has the Covid-19 influenced diabetes management and well-being of adolescents with T1DM and their caregivers?". A systematic search has been conducted through three academic databases. Studies carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic focused on adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years with T1DM and/or their caregivers were included. A total of 9 studies, performed between 2020 and 2021, have been identified. In particular, N = 305 adolescents with T1DM and N = 574 caregivers were considered. Overall, studies were not specific in reporting adolescents' age, and only 2 studies were primarily focused on the adolescent population with T1DM. In addition, studies were mainly focused on evaluating adolescents' glycemic control, which remained stable or has improved throughout the pandemic. Contrarily, psychosocial variables have been marginally considered. Indeed, only one study investigated adolescents' diabetes distress, which remained stable from pre-to during post-lockdown, albeit improving among girls, specifically. As regards caregivers of adolescents with T1DM, studies showed mixed results concerning their psychological state during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prevention measures, which are aimed at supporting adolescents with T1DM during the lockdown, were considered by one study only, showing the favorable role of telemedicine during lockdown for adolescents' glycemic control. Altogether, the current scoping review has identified many shortcomings of the available literature, which are given by the limited specificity of the age group considered and by the limited consideration of psychosocial variables, particularly their interplay with the medical ones.

Does the SDMQ-9 Predict Changes in HbA1c Levels? An Ecuadorian Cohort

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus affects 422 million people around the world, positioning it as a major health problem. According to the WHO(World Health Organization), 90% corresponds to type 2. The shared-decision making (SDM) is a method used to facilitate patient control, medication, maintenance, and assessment of health status according to their priorities and preferences. With the application of SDM in patients with diabetes, it is expected there will be an increase in treatment adherence and a reduction in HbA1c levels. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of the change in HbA1c. Material and Methods: A sample of 76 participants attending as endocrinology outpatients was obtained. Data collected within the sample included: sex, age, educational level, body mass index, and the level of SDM using the SDMQ-9. In addition, HbA1c levels were measured twice: at baseline and three months after the first measurement. Results: The linear regression indicates that the level of SDM is a significant predictor of the change in HbA1c, specifically in men. However, the direction of the relationship was a somewhat opposite trend than we expected. Higher levels of SDM imply an increase in HbA1c rather than a reduction. Conclusions: Contrary to the literature, our results shows that elevated levels of perceived SDM may be associated with worse diabetic control. However, more investigation is needed as these results are not generalizable, due to the specific population used and the sample size. Furthermore, to better understand the effect of SDM on the change in HbA1c in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Resilience Among Parents of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Associated With Fewer Parental Depressive Symptoms and Better Pediatric Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND

Although pediatric resilience plays a significant role in resisting negative moods and improving glycaemic control, little research exists regarding resilience among the parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate parental resilience's correlations with parental depressive symptoms, parental diabetes distress, and pediatric glycaemic control.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents from two hospitals. The parents completed questionnaires. The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale measured resilience; the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey-Parent Revised version measured diabetes distress; the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 measured depressive symptoms. Standard glycated hemoglobin tests were performed on the adolescents.

RESULTS

Data from 224 parents (77.2% female, M_age = 39.88 [SD = 5.02], age range = 30-56 years) of adolescents (50.9% boys, M_age = 13.54 years [SD = 2.48], age range = 10-19 years) were available. More than half (52.7%) of parents exceeded the criterion score for high resilience. Parental resilience was significantly negatively associated with parental depressive symptoms and diabetes distress. Parents from the high-resilience group reported fewer depressive symptoms than those from the low-resilience group. In multivariate regressions, greater parental resilience is consistently related to better pediatric glycaemic control beyond parental psychological risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of parental resilience for parental mental health and glycaemic control among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The appropriate resilience support programme might be developed for parents, especially for those existing depressive symptoms and diabetes distress.

Perceived Family Stress Predicts Poor Metabolic Control in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Novel Triadic Approach

OBJECTIVE

Poor metabolic control and low treatment adherence remain major issues for many pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Important risk factors for both include psychosocial variables such as stress. To date, stress in type 1 diabetes patients and their parents has been investigated at an individual level. The present study tested the hypothesis that patients', mothers', and fathers' perceived stress is positively related to each other and therefore is a factor common to the family. This factor was then hypothesized to be related to patients' poorer treatment adherence behavior and metabolic control. Research Design and Methods. This cross-sectional study at the University Children's Hospital Zurich included 190 type 1 diabetes patients (age: 7-18 years; illness duration: ≥1 year) and their families. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure the self-reported stress of patients, mothers, and fathers. Patients' treatment adherence was rated by their endocrinologists. HbA1c served as indicator of metabolic control. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted for analysis.

RESULTS

The SEM showed adequate model fit. Patients' (β = .567, p ≤ .001), mother's (β = .621, p ≤ .001), and father's (β = .585, p ≤ .001) perceived stress loaded all on a single factor, perceived family stress. This factor was significantly associated with treatment adherence (β = -.384, p ≤ .001) and with HbA1c (β = .210, p = .012) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirmed perceived family stress to be a common family construct. Because perceived family stress might have a negative impact on patients' treatment adherence and HbA1c, subjective stress appraisals of patients and both parents should be considered when counseling children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Considerations when conducting moderation analysis with a binary outcome: Applications to clinical and social pharmacy research

Clinical and social pharmacy researchers often have questions regarding contingencies of effects (i.e., moderation) that are tested by including interactions in statistical models. Much of the available literature for estimating and testing effects that emanate from moderation models is based on extensions of the linear model with continuous outcomes. Binary (or dichotomous) outcome variables, such as prescription-medication misuse versus no misuse, are commonly encountered by clinical and social pharmacy researchers. In moderation analysis, binary outcomes have led to an increased focus on the fact that measures of interaction are scale-dependent; thus, researchers may need to consider both additive interaction and multiplicative interaction. Further complicating interpretation is that the statistical model chosen for an interaction can provide different answers to questions of moderation. This manuscript will: 1) identify research questions in clinical and social pharmacy that necessitate the use of these statistical methods, 2) review statistical models that can be used to estimate effects when the outcome of interest is binary, 3) review basic concepts of moderation, 4) describe the challenges inherent in conducting moderation analysis when modeling binary outcomes, and 5) demonstrate how to conduct such analyses and interpret relevant statistical output (including interpretations of interactions on additive and multiplicative scales with a focus on identifying which statistical models for binary outcomes lead to which measure of interaction). Although much of the basis for this paper comes from research in epidemiology, recognition of these issues has occurred in other disciplines.

Association of family structure with type 1 diabetes management and outcomes in adolescents: A population-based cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Diabetes therapies have enormously changed during past decades, but only few studies have analyzed the association between family structure and diabetes management and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze cross-sectionally the associations of family structure with type 1 diabetes (T1D) management and various diabetes outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 1635 11- to 17-year-old participants and their parents completed one of three baseline surveys as part of a nationwide, population-based cohort study on early-onset, long-standing T1D. Associations between family structure and outcome variables were analyzed by multivariable linear/logistic regression.

RESULTS

Compared to adolescents living with both parents (reference), HbA_1c was 0.48% (95% confidence interval 0.24; 0.71) / 5.2 (2.6; 7.8) mmol/mol higher in adolescents living with one parent and 0.34% (0.08; 0.59) / 3.7 (0.9; 6.5) mmol/mol higher in those living with one parent and her/his partner. The blood glucose self-monitoring (SMBG) frequency was lower (single parent: -0.6 (-1.1; -0.2), parent and partner:-0.5 (-1.0; 0.0)) and parents reported more long-term consequences related to school or work (OR_{single-parent} 1.52 (0.90; 2.57), OR_{parent + partner} 1.50 (0.86; 2.60)). While living with one parent was associated with increased odds of insulin injection vs. insulin pump therapy (OR 1.61 [1.13; 2.29]), the odds of low hypoglycemia awareness (OR 1.75 [1.00; 3.08]) and diabetes complications (1.32 [0.78; 2.22]) were higher in people living with a parent and her/his partner.

CONCLUSIONS

Living with only one parent with or without a new partner was associated with less SMBG and pump use and poor diabetes outcomes. Future studies to explore the underlying mechanisms are required.

Factors Associated with Adherence to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Among Young People with Type 1 Diabetes in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of glycemic control in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but most of them do not perform SMBG as recommended. Few studies comprehensively explored factors that correlate with adherence to SMBG among this population on the basis of a framework. Hence, the aims of this study were to describe adherence to SMBG among young people with T1DM in China and explore its associating factors according to the Self and Family Management (SFM) framework.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on young people with T1DM in Hunan Province of China from July to August 2020. Based on the SFM framework, self-reported questionnaires were organized for the collection of data on adherence to SMBG, socio-demographic and clinical factors, resources, health care system, and personal factors. Factors associated with adherence to SMBG were determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 165 young people were invited, of which 122 (73.9%) completed the questionnaires. The mean age was 12.41 years (SD = 3.18), and the proportion of young people who adhered to SMBG was 53.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that children aged 8-12 years (OR = 0.188, P = 0.002), from two-parent families (OR = 0.232, P = 0.019), and with better personal factors (eg, with more information of SMBG, OR = 1.072, P = 0.020; lower diabetes-related worry, OR = 0.917, P = 0.031; higher level of pain during SMBG, OR = 1.852, P = 0.001), had better adherence to SMBG.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of the young people with T1DM were not adherent to SMBG in China. Clinicians need to pay more attention to adolescents from single-parent families with regard to their adherence to SMBG. Providing management strategies of SMBG, including delivering SMBG-related information, decreasing diabetes-related worry, and relieving pain related to SMBG, may improve adherence.

The impact of personality traits on medication adherence and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The moderating role of gender and age

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the role of the five-factor model of personality (FFM) and the moderating role of gender and age in predicting medication adherence (MA) and self-care behaviors (SCB) among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This study was conducted on 495 patients with T2DM (73.5% female; n = 364) from two major cities of Iran (Tehran and Qom) in 2019. Pearson's correlation coefficient, multiple regression analysis, and conditional process analysis were performed. P < .05 and P < .10 were considered significant for the relationships and moderation analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Neuroticism indicated a negative association with MA and SCB. Positive associations were found between MA and personality traits, including extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, whereas extraversion showed a weak correlation with SCB. According to the covariate-adjusted regression model, neuroticism had a negative effect on MA and SCB. Agreeableness had a positive effect on MA and a negative effect on SCB. However, extraversion exerted a negative effect on MA and a positive effect on SCB. Also, the negative effect of neuroticism on MA was highlighted in women, indicating marginally significant moderation effect. The positive effects of extraversion and conscientiousness on MA were moderated by age. The effect of conscientiousness on SCB was positive in young patients and negative in old patients. No interaction effect was observed between age and gender.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness significantly contributed to MA, but not to SCB. However, the effects were conditioned by age for extraversion and conscientiousness to some extent.

Efficacy and safety of long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) dulaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 18, 2019. Revman5.3 and Stata13.0 software were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one trials including 20,367 patients were analyzed. Compared with control group, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in 0.75 mg dulaglutide group and 1.5 mg dulaglutide group were reduced by 0.29% and 0.55%, respectively. More patients treated with 0.75 mg dulaglutide [RR 1.24, 95% CI (1.08, 1.42), p = 0.002] and 1.5 mg dulaglutide [RR 1.66, 95% CI (1.40, 1.99), p < 0.00001] had reached the target of HbA1c 7.0%. In patients with T2DM, 0.75 mg dulaglutide and 1.5 mg dulaglutide had a statistically higher adverse events (AEs) incidence than control, whereas the risk of hypoglycaemia was lower in 0.75 mg dulaglutide group and 1.5 mg dulaglutide group than in control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, 0.75 and 1.5 mg dulaglutide are associated with better glycemic control and lower rate of hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM.