The structure of parental involvement and relations to disease management for youth with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To test structural models of parental involvement in type 1 diabetes and to examine associations of parental involvement with adherence and metabolic control. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two young adolescents (10-14 years) completed reports of adherence and parents' involvement: acceptance, independence encouragement, communication, general and diabetes-specific monitoring, frequency of help, and intrusive support. HbA1c values came from medical records. Results: A model of relationship quality, behavioral involvement, and monitoring as three separate yet interrelated factors best fit the data. Higher reports of mothers' and fathers' monitoring and fathers' relationship quality uniquely related to better adherence, whereas higher reports of fathers' behavioral involvement uniquely related to poorer adherence. Higher reports of paternal monitoring were related to lower HbA1c. Conclusions: Adolescent perceptions of components of parental involvement are interrelated, yet separate constructs for both mothers and fathers. Parental monitoring was an important predictor of management of type 1 diabetes during adolescence. © The Author 2009.