Living with Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

ABS TRACT Objective: Type 1 diabetes is an absolute insulin-de- pendent autoimmune disease. It is generally seen in children and adolescents and its prevalence is increasing day by day. The management of a chronic disease during adolescence may affect the individual's bi-ological, psychological and socialization processes. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine how Type 1 diabetes affected the lives of adolescents. Matreial and Methods: This qualitative study is of a phe- nomenological type. The study covered a total of 19 adolescents (14 girls and 5 boys) in 12 to 18 age group at a Pamukkale university hos- pital, who were followed up with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. In the study, the data were collected by using the semi-structured interview form and through the in-depth interview method. Interviews were recorded and ranged from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes. The data obtained were evaluated using the content analysis method. Results: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes were affected in terms of experience, emotion and perception. Conclusion: As a result of this study, it has been found that type 1 diabetes affects adolescents' lives in many ways. In the follow-up of the disease, healthcare professionals should be aware of the factors that negatively affect the quality of life of adolescents by reducing their compliance with the disease and treatment, and should include the elimination of these factors or keep- ing them under control in their care.