Readiness for Living Independently among Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the association of time (high school to post-high school), living situation (independent of parents or not), diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia and how diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia are associated with diabetes management among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Participants (N = 114) completed measures on diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and worry about hypoglycemia during the last 6 months in high school (T1) and diabetes management, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and living situation post-high school (T2). General linear mixed model for the diabetes management outcome was used to test associations with diabetes-specific self-efficacy, worry about hypoglycemia, time, and living situation independent variables. Moderation by diabetes-specific self-efficacy and worry about hypoglycemia was also tested. Results: Diabetes management increased from high school to post-high school but was not significantly associated with living situation (independent of parents or not). Diabetes management was better for youth with greater diabetes-specific self-efficacy. However, neither diabetes-specific self-efficacy nor worry about hypoglycemia moderated the relationship between diabetes management and time or between diabetes management and living situation. Conclusions: Diabetes management improved over time for these emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes-specific self-efficacy is important for diabetes management regardless of whether youth are in high school or post-high school and whether living with parents or not.