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The needs, concerns, and characteristics of younger Australian adults with Type 2 diabetes
Author(s) -
Browne J. L.,
Scibilia R.,
Speight J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/dme.12078
Subject(s) - medicine , feeling , diabetes mellitus , type 1 diabetes , overweight , type 2 diabetes , distress , gerontology , quarter (canadian coin) , emotional distress , young adult , family medicine , obesity , clinical psychology , psychiatry , anxiety , psychology , social psychology , archaeology , history , endocrinology
Aims The mean age of onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is decreasing in Australia and internationally. We conducted an internet‐based survey to improve our understanding of the emotional well‐being and unmet needs of younger adults with Type 2 diabetes, and to inform service provision for this group. Methods A random sample of National Diabetes Services Scheme registrants ( n  = 1,417) with Type 2 diabetes, aged 18–39 years, living in the Australian state of Victoria received an invitation to complete the online survey. The study was also advertised state‐wide. The survey included validated scales ( PAID ‐5: diabetes‐related distress; WHO ‐5: general emotional well‐being) and study‐specific items. A total of 149 eligible respondents participated. Results Almost two‐thirds (63%) of respondents reported severe‐diabetes related distress; more than a quarter (27%) had impaired general emotional well‐being. Most (82%) were overweight or obese ( BMI  ≥ 25); most (77%) had at least one other co‐morbidity. Lack of motivation, feeling burned out, and being time‐poor were identified as top barriers to self‐management. More than half (59%) of respondents had not participated in structured diabetes education. Respondents perceived that younger adults with Type 2 diabetes had different health‐care needs than their older counterparts (68%), and that most Type 2 diabetes information/services were aimed at older adults (62%). Of a range of potential new services, respondents indicated greatest interest in an online forum specifically for younger adults with Type 2 diabetes. Conclusions Younger adults with Type 2 diabetes have impaired emotional well‐being and physical health. Population‐based research is needed to confirm the current findings, to further inform service delivery and optimise outcomes for this group.

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