Growing Up with Type 1 Diabetes: A Photo Elicitation of Memory

Abstract

The aim of this study was to learn from the lived experiences of children who were diagnosed with type 1diabetes using photo elicitation. Five participants were chosen from the endocrinology clinic at Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tennessee. The participants were asked to take photographs that illustrated aspects of their experiences growing up with type 1 diabetes. The number of photographs taken was at the discretion of each individual participant. Interviews with each participant were conducted utilizing prepared open-ended questions. All participants completed the project. Some common themes that emerged are: the perception of a life changing experience; lack of understanding from school staff and coaches; feeling different from friends; embarrassment; no plan or structure during the transition period; belief that diabetes education focused more on the negatives; and thoughts that diabetes education tells you what to do, but not how to do it. The information obtained from this study supports the need for education for all individuals who are involved in the life of a child with type 1 diabetes. It also supports the notion that education for children with type 1 diabetes and their parents should be on-going instead of a one-time event. This study is limited due to the small amount of participants, and further research is needed to help providers give quality patient centered care to this population.