P-71: Is self-management a key factor in the quality of life (AdoDiab-1) of adolescents (aged 13 to 18) living with type 1 diabetes WHO are participating in the AdoDiab-1 programme in Cameroon?
R V Kamtchim TagneAbstract
Introduction
The rise in complications associated with type 1 diabetes remains a significant health issue, but one that is particularly acute among adolescents due to the sensitivity of this stage of development. To address this and improve quality of life, many authors advocate for the transfer of self-care skills. This goes beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge to encompass the whole picture
Objectives
The aim of this article was to investigate whether the quality of life of adolescents (aged 13 to 18) participating in the AdoDiab-1 programme is influenced by their self-care skills
Methods
A pilot, experimental and correlational study identified 18 adolescents being treated at Yaoundé Central Hospital, who were randomly and equally assigned to two groups (control and experimental). Using the Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL™) scales, these adolescents’ self-care competence and quality of life were measured respectively. A correlational analysis revealed the nature of the relationship between these two variables
Results
A comparison of the mean total scores on the self-care competence scale (t = 8.39; p < 0.001; dm = 0.98) and the quality of life scale (t = 12.89; p < 0.001; dm = 37.79) post-intervention reveals a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Similarly, the test comparing the means of the experimental group’s quality of life scores before and after the intervention (t = 17.05; p = 0.000; dm = 43.13) and self-care competence (t = 11.86; p = 0.000; dm = 0.95) reveals a statistically significant difference. Linear regression shows that (R² = 0.859) 85.9% of self-care competence is explained by the adolescents’ quality of life; this indicates a correlation between the two variables (p = 0,000)
Conclusions
The quality of life of adolescents participating in the AdoDiab-1 programme depends on their self-care skills. Promoting self-care among these teenagers is essential