Memory Matters II: Predictors of Self-care Behaviors in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

MEMORY MATTERS 11: PREDICTORS OF SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES by Sari A. Soutor, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2004 Major Director: Clarissa S. Holmes, Ph.D. Professor Department of Psychology Type 1 diabetes and associated hypoglycemia can result in verbal memory difficulties, yet the role of memory in daily diabetes self-care has not been evaluated for young adults. Subtests from two well-standardized memory measures were administered to 34 young adults with type 1 diabetes, aged 18-29, in this pilot study. Self-care behaviors were assessed through 24-hour diabetes care interviews, while HbAlc indicated metabolic control. Verbal associative memory uniquely accounted for 12% of the variance in blood glucose testing frequency O, < .05) and combined with socioeconomic status (SES) and intellectual ability, accounted for 28% of the variance, p < .05. Quantitative verbal memory accounted for 20% of the variance in total calories consumed for individuals on a diabetes-related diet (p < .05), although the overall model with SES, intellectual ability, and quantitative memory was at a trend level, p = .06. Single-trial verbal memory uniquely predicted 10% of the variance in metabolic control ( p < .05) and along with SES and intellectual ability, predicted 32% of the variance, p < .05. Importantly, memory was the only significant predictor in each model, which indicates memory, rather than overall cognitive capacity or financial/educational resources, relates to self-care behaviorslhealth status. Memory, a novel factor not previously evaluated in the quest to better understand daily disease management for young adults with diabetes, is significantly related to central self-care behaviors and metabolic control. Memory predictors likely warrant additional research and clinical attention such that eventually, intervention studies might identify strategies or compensatory aids that could improve young adults' self-care behaviors and health status through facilitating better memory functioning.