P-136: Diabetes technology utilization in minoritized youth: understanding facilitators and barriers to guide intervention development
S Morales, R Hall, K Murray, M Falkovic, H Parnell, C Makarushka, L Fish, B Batch, L Corsino, O GuptaAbstract
Introduction
Diabetes technologies are the standard of care for all patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Consistent utilization of these tools can improve diabetes outcomes; yet minoritized populations are half as likely to use diabetes technology as their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Individual experiences with diabetes technology directly influence decisions to adopt or discontinue devices, providing critical insight for interventions.
Objectives
Elicit perspectives from minoritized youth with T1D, their caregivers and school nurses about using and/or promoting diabetes technology for diabetes management.
Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth ages 7-17 with T1DM and their caregivers to determine facilitators and barriers to diabetes technology utilization. Youth were purposively sampled for a range of clinical demographics and experiences with diabetes technology. School nurses participated in a focus group to better understand the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that influence their students’ decision to utilize diabetes technology.
Results
Seven youth with T1D, 9 caregivers and 5 school nurses participated in the study. Disruptive alarms, device visibility and cost concerns were major factors involved in the decision-making process. The primary benefit noted was the ability to share diabetes management with other caregivers. Important challenges included issues with wearability, skin reactions and device malfunctions. All groups endorsed testimonials and real-life learning resources, especially short videos showing devices in everyday contexts (sports, swimming), as potential strategies to improve diabetes technology uptake.
Conclusions
In this diverse sample of youth, caregivers and school nurses, diabetes technology was regarded as beneficial, although specific concerns were consistently raised. Practical interventions were provided to guide the development of interactive, personalized decision support tools to reduce disparities in diabetes technology.