Youth and parent perspectives on the acceptability of a group physical activity and coping intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Introduction: To maintain optimal glycemic levels and prevent long-term complications, adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) should engage in regular moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) in addition to other diabetes self-care behaviors. Though interventions to prepare adolescents safely increase MVPA have been developed and tested, barriers continue to limit dissemination and engagement in clinical and community settings. Objective: To examine youth and parent perspectives on the acceptability of a group physical activity and coping intervention for adolescents with T1DM.Subjects: 18 adolescents (11-19 years) with T1DM who completed the intervention and at least one of their parents.Methods: Adolescents completed an exit survey measuring satisfaction with the intervention (program components, comfort, and instructors) on a 5-point scale. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents and at least one parent. Qualitative description was used to develop themes that summarize participant experiences during the intervention. Results: The intervention was rated highly: program components (M=4.5), comfort (M=4.4), and instructors (M=4.3). Themes included: (1) Adolescents and parents valued being around others with T1DM and their families; (2) The intervention helped adolescents gain knowledge and reinforce diabetes self-management behaviors; (3) Challenges included convenience and sustaining participant engagement; and (4) Adolescents intended to sustain physical activity and diabetes self-management behaviors after the intervention.Conclusions: Adolescents with T1DM and their parents viewed a group physical activity and discussion intervention as a positive experience. Because participants highly valued the group aspect of the intervention, future MVPA interventions would likely benefit from integrating social interactions with others with T1DM.