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Title: Facilitators of parental involvement in T1D management: Perspectives of African American and Hispanic parents of elementary school-aged children

Author
item BUTLER, ASHLEY - Baylor College Of Medicine
item TITUS, COURTNEY - Baylor College Of Medicine
item HILLIARD, MARISA - Baylor College Of Medicine
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe
item RODRIGUEZ, EVADNE - Baylor College Of Medicine

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/16/2018
Publication Date: 4/6/2019
Citation: Butler, A.M., Titus, C., Hilliard, M.E., Thompson, D.J., Rodriguez, E. 2019. Facilitators of parental involvement in T1D management: Perspectives of African American and Hispanic parents of elementary school-aged children [abstract]. Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference (SPPAC). April 4-6, 2019; New Orleans, LA. Meeting Symposium.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: African American and Hispanic children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk for suboptimal glycemic outcomes. Collaborative parental involvement in T1D management optimizes glycemic control in childhood and prevents deterioration during adolescence. The general child development literature has highlighted resilience among African American and Hispanic parents living in challenging social and economic conditions. However, little is known about how racial/ethnic minority parents maintain collaborative involvement in their children’s T1D care. Characterizing protective factors in this understudied population can guide tailored behavioral family interventions with strong receptivity among minority parents. This study used the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) Model to determine facilitators of involvement among parents of children ages 5-9 years. This qualitative research was part of a larger study to develop and test a behavioral intervention for minority families. Thirty-five parents (18 African American, 15 Latino, 2 biracial) of children with T1D (M=7.6 years, 51% male) completed semi-structured interviews about family diabetes management, based on the COM-B Model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis to determine facilitators of parental involvement. Parents identified many facilitators of their involvement across several COM-B Model domains. Psychological capabilities included spiritual/religious coping and organizational skills. Opportunities included access to diabetes technology and flexibility in their work environment. Motivations included reflective/conscious thoughts about wanting their child to have a "normal life" and prioritizing the child's health. Most facilitators were opportunities involving interpersonal influences, including 1) support from employers, school/childcare, healthcare providers, and nuclear and extended family members, and 2) positive, frequent nuclear and extended family communication about T1D management. African American and Hispanic parents have diverse psychological, motivational, and interpersonal strengths that enable them to be involved in their child’s diabetes management. These strengths can be reinforced in culturally-tailored family behavioral interventions to maximize parental contribution to children's diabetes management.