The needs, concerns, and characteristics of young Australian adults with type 2 diabetes — ASN Events
  1. Schedule
  2. ADS Clinical Poster Session
  3. The needs, concerns, and characteristics of young Australian adults with type 2 diabetes

The needs, concerns, and characteristics of young Australian adults with type 2 diabetes (#256)

Jessica L Browne 1 2 , Renza Scibilia 3 , Jane Speight 1 2 4
  1. The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Australia - Vic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Research, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
  3. Diabetes Australia - Vic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. AHP Research, Hornchurch, Essex, UK

AIMS: The average age of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has decreased rapidly, such that T2DM is no longer only an older person’s condition. However, little is known about the needs, concerns and characteristics of younger adults with T2DM. Our aim was to survey this group to inform future service provision and research.

METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed, addressing a range of clinical, behavioural, and psychosocial topics. It included validated scales (e.g. PAID-5) and study-specific items. An invitation was sent to a random sample of 1,417 National Diabetes Services Scheme registrants with T2DM, aged 18-39, residing in Victoria. The study was also advertised statewide.

RESULTS: A total of 149 eligible respondents took part (mean±SD age: 32.33±4.83 years; diabetes duration: 2.86±3.36 years). Most were women (62%), managed their diabetes using oral hypoglycaemic agents (61%), were overweight or obese (BMI: 33.64±8.57), and had at least one co-morbidity (63%). Most (63%) reported severe diabetes-related distress, which was positively associated with perceived diabetes-related stigma (p<0.01). Lack of motivation, ‘burnout’, and being time-poor were barriers to optimal self-care. Most (59%) respondents had not participated in structured diabetes education. Respondents perceived existing T2DM services to be aimed at older people, and were interested in tailored, age-appropriate T2DM services, especially online forums and mentoring programs.

CONCLUSIONS: Younger adults with T2DM in Victoria report poor physical health and impaired psychological well-being. Many have not participated in structured diabetes education, perhaps because existing programs are perceived to be for older people, and current resources do not address their information needs. An online forum tailored for this population may be one way to cater to their information and support needs and improve well-being outcomes, without placing high demands on their time. Ongoing research with younger adults with T2DM is essential to inform interventions and service delivery.