Psychosocial factors of paediatric diabetes management
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding psychosocial factors of paediatric diabetes management: a Q methodological study
IRAS ID
265023
Contact name
Helen Combes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Staffordshire University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
The national guidelines on managing diabetes in children emphasise the importance of social and psychological support for the family and young person. However, different stakeholders in a child’s medical care may have varied opinions on what is helpful because each family’s situation is unique.
This study aims to assess how important different psychological, social and contextual factors that impact the management of paediatric diabetes are to young people with diabetes, their family members and the medical staff that care for them using a Q methodological approach. This approach asks the participants to look at a selection of statements and decide how much they agree or disagree with each statement. This will take around 60 minutes per participant and will be carried out in the Outpatient clinic where the child and family attend their routine diabetes check ups. Children will have the option to complete the task with their parent present. The differences and similarities in views between participants will then be analysed statistically using factor analysis. A demographic questionnaire will be completed by each participant (or the participant's parent) in order to gather information related to potential factors such as; length of diagnosis, household income, relationship to diabetes etc.
The study will aim to highlight the various beliefs held in the population about what helps them best manage paediatric diabetes. The Q methodology approach will allow identification of voices which are not always heard in research, such as children's, in conjunction with opinions of other stakeholders. This information may allow us to consider different approaches to treatment and support for families depending on what is important to them. Common themes may emerge which could inform how professionals work as a team around a family providing support not only to the child with diabetes but to other members of the family network.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0152
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion