P-270: Latinx youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers - engagement and satisfaction with virtual peer groups (VPG) and in-person community-building events
J Flores, M W Reid, J C Wong, B Manzanarez, A Torres Sanchez, N Garban, S A Lopez, C Acosta Navarro, M Visser, S S Crossen, J K RaymondAbstract
Introduction
Latinx youth with T1D and their caregivers experience challenges in accessing care, achieving optimal health outcomes, and using diabetes technology. A stakeholder-informed and bilingual VPG model, DREAM (Device Use Reimagined through Education And Mentorship), was designed to provide knowledge and a supportive space to build connections with peers.
Objectives
To assess engagement and satisfaction with DREAM.
Methods
Latinx youth (ages 13-17) with T1D and their caregivers were recruited from three diabetes centers in California. Baseline demographics were collected via surveys, and clinical variables (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) were abstracted from the health record. Youth and their caregivers were invited to participate in separate 1-hour VPG every 4-6 weeks and in-person events quarterly. VPG topics included diabetes technology, well being and support with T1D, relationships, eating and activity, and working with the T1D care team.
Results
Eighty-two youth-caregiver dyads were enrolled. Fifty-seven percent of youth were female, 80% primarily spoke English, 89% were publicly insured, and had an average HbA1c of 8.54%. A majority of caregivers (66%) primarily spoke Spanish or were bilingual, had a median household income of $35-50K USD, and 57% graduated high school or technical school. To date, 61 VPG have been held for 400 attendees (avg. 7 per session). The most frequently attended VPG by both youth and caregivers were diabetes technology (64%), real-life challenges (school, work, travel, and socializing; 58%), and family relationships (57%). Eighty people (youth, caregivers, and other family; 20 per session on average) attended 4 in-person events. Nearly all attendees found VPG and in-person events very helpful for gaining knowledge about technology and connecting with others.
Conclusions
DREAM has successfully engaged Latinx youth with T1D and their families and may be an alternative care model that meets their needs.