Piloting a Culturally Adapted Arabic Structured Small-Group Education Program for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Kuwait has a high prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). At present there is a need for structured educational programs (SEP) specifically tailored for Arabian youth with T1D. This SEP was locally and culturally adapted from the Kids In Control of Food (KICk-OFF) course delivered at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. Aims: To explore the psychological and social impact of a pilot SEP for Arabian youth with T1D and their mothers through exploring their respective perspectives. Methods: All 20 participants were interviewed using semistructured interviews individually, with a duration of approximately 30-45 min. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: The adolescents gained more self-confidence in managing their diabetes and their mothers were more confident in allowing their children take the lead in their diabetes self-management. Participants were empowered with adequate knowledge about the underlying pathophysiology of glucose metabolism and the nutritional and pharmacological management which made them feel in control and helped them to better cope with diabetes. It reduced diabetes-related family stress and gave them more social freedom, supporting behavioral change for a better lifestyle. Conclusions: Attending the adapted SEP had a positive impact on adolescents with T1D and their mothers through enhancement of their knowledge and confidence, thus giving them a sense of disease control. This pilot study has proven effective in terms of enhancement of confidence in diabetes management and psychosocial factors. Therefore, there is a need for a wider implementation.