The effects of a family-based intervention on regimen adherence and metabolic control of adolescents with IDDM: A randomized controlled outcome study.

Abstract

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) must adhere to a complex treatment regimen. Adherence is often poor during adolescence, when the regimen behaviours may interact negatively with many of the developmental tasks. In a randomized controlled outcome study, 15 adolescents and their families participated in a family-based intervention for improving adherence to the diabetic regimen. Fourteen comparison group adolescents with IDDM spent a comparable amount of time learning stress management techniques. Adolescents in both groups attended a diabetes management review session with the clinic nurse. Inclusion criteria included mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels $>$9.0% over the previous nine months. At a 6-month follow-up, adolescents in the family intervention group were testing blood glucose levels more regularly (p $$1% (0% vs. 29%, $\chi\sp2$ = 6.32, p =.05). Methodological issues were discussed.