Adherence and Glycemic Control among Hispanic Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: Role of Family Involvement and Acculturation

Abstract

To assess whether family involvement and acculturation were related to adherence and glycemic control among Hispanic youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Hispanic youth with T1D (n = 111; M age = 13.33; 53% female) and parents completed questionnaires that assessed diabetes-related family involvement (distribution of responsibility for diabetes, family support for diabetes), acculturation (linguistic acculturation, generational status), and adherence. HbA1c levels indexed glycemic control. Better adherence was associated with less adolescent independent responsibility, more family support for diabetes, and more recent immigration (fewer generations of the family living in US). Family support mediated the relationship between responsibility and adherence. Better glycemic control was associated with higher levels of parental education and adherence. Family support for diabetes is important for adherence among Hispanic youth with T1D. Research should examine aspects of recent immigration that contribute to better adherence and the impact of supportive interventions on diabetes care.