PERSONAL ILLNESS MODELS OF DIABETES - PREADOLESCENTS AND ADOLESCENTS

The purpose of this research study was to explore personal illness mod els of preadolescents and adolescents regarding diabetes mellitus. Per sonal illness models were defined as the adolescents' cognitive repres entations of their disease. Sixty children ages 10 to 17 years with a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were interviewed usin g a semistructured questionnaire. Data were content analyzed for commo n themes. Although most participants expressed an understanding that t heir disease would last a lifetime, they were hopeful for a cure. Part icipants wanted healthcare professionals to provide strategies for con trolling blood glucose to prevent future complications. Family and fri ends who followed the same diet as the adolescent with diabetes were v iewed as supportive. The majority of adolescents were responsible for much of their own disease management. Their greatest fears concerned i nsulin reactions and long-term complications such as amputation of lim bs.