Hannah Knoll
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Melissa Dejonckheere, Assistant Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 3 (1pm-1:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 12
Presenter: 4
Abstract
Our research is important to assess key aspects of psychological adjustment to type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adolescents to allow further improvement in their lives. This study aims to improve tools to screen for the psychological adjustment of youth with T1D. We used a mixed methods approach which includes data collection via questionnaires, medical records, and interviews. We found people who were eligible from U of M medical records, called them, and emailed them the questionnaire if they were interested. If the participant was under the age of 18, they received a Consent form and Assent form to review before completing the questionnaire. We will soon ask people to complete interviews to further explore their perspective on adjustment to T1D. We are analyzing 115 participants using depression data from the PHQ-8 and their hypoglycemic fear using the Fear of Hypoglycemia Survey (FHS). Higher scoring on both surveys shows greater depression and fear of hypoglycemia. The mean score on the PHQ-8 was measured on a scale of 0-24 with a mean score of 5.95 and the mean score on the FHS was 61.39 in a range of 27-135. We found no significant correlation between PHQ-8 scores and HbA1c, p = .221 but a significant positive correlation between FHS scores and HbA1c levels, p = .047. These findings will help researchers understand the gaps that exist in medical treatment. With this information, medical providers can work towards better interventions at the psychological level to improve adjustment to T1D.
Authors: Hannah Knoll, Melissa DeJonckheere, Piya Garg, Dana Albright
Research Method: Clinical Research
