Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in type 1 diabetes is a critical health outcome but has not been studied in many low-income countries. In this study we evaluated the validity of 2 HRQL instruments, measured the HRQL and explored the association between HRQL and glycemic control.

This was a cross-sectional study of Haitian youth with diabetes between 0 and 25 years of age and living in Haiti. We administered the 51-item Diabetes Quality of Life in Youth (DQOLY) questionnaire and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS). Psychometric analyses evaluated internal consistency and construct validity of the DQOLY and its 21-item short form, the DQOLY-SF. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of HRQL and glycated hemoglobin (A1C).

In 85 youth (59% female; mean age, 17.5 years; mean diabetes duration, 3.7 years; mean A1C, 11.3%), DQOLY and DQOLY-SF had adequate internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.86 and 0.84, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate validity for the DQOLY-SF and DQOLY Satisfaction subscale. HRQL, as measured using the DQOLY-SF, was 62±16 (mean ± standard deviation) out of 100. Mean EQ-VAS score was 78±24 out of 100. Older age (p=0.004), female sex (p=0.02) and lower socioeconomic status (SES) (p=0.03) were risk factors for lower DQOLY score, and older age (p=0.02) and marginally female sex (p=0.06) for lower DQOLY-SF score. Entinostat datasheet No predictors of EQ-VAS were identified. HRQL measures were not associated with glycemic control.

The DQOLY-SF and DQOLY Satisfaction subscale are valid measures of HRQL in Haitian youth with diabetes. HRQL is low and was worse in older, female and low-SES youth, but was not associated with glycemic control.

The DQOLY-SF and DQOLY Satisfaction subscale are valid measures of HRQL in Haitian youth with diabetes. HRQL is low and was worse in older, female and low-SES youth, but was not associated with glycemic control.

Mixed methods were used to evaluate a group self-management education intervention to address type 1 diabetes (T1D)-specific barriers to physical activity (PA). We evaluated the acceptability of study resources and procedures.

Consenting participants from a quantitative evaluation (n=70) were invited to participate in 1 of 5 focus groups. Interviews explored the acceptability of procedures across the randomized controlled trial schedule, acceptability of the intervention/control workshops and resources and the perceived effectiveness of the intervention/control on participant outcomes. The use and helpfulness of intervention take-home resources, Facebook data and fidelity coding were also examined to inform other aspects of intervention acceptability.

Twenty-one focus group participants from control or intervention arms participated in 1 of the 5 focus groups. Participants were 46±10 years of age; about half were female and had been living with T1D for 23±16 years. Study procedures were widely accepted; design. Alterations to the control workshop are required to better reflect standard care in Australia. Our qualitative findings suggest that group education can be an acceptable and preferred method of education in T1D management for PA.

Our aim in this study was to describe screening outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics of patients in an urban tele-ophthalmology screening program for diabetic retinopathy (DR).

A prospective cohort study was conducted on adults with diabetes type 1 or type 2 enrolled in the Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program between September 2013 and March 2019.

A total of 1,374 screenings were completed, of which 344 (25%) detected DR. Of all participants, 17% did not have provincial health coverage and 21% never had an eye exam. Of the 587 patients who completed sociodemographic questionnaires, the majority (84%) were born outside of Canada, and only 62% preferred English as their spoken language. Forty percent reported a household income of <$25,000, with these participants having an increased likelihood of detectable DR (odds ratio [OR], 1.83; p<0.01).

Participants with low income are more likely to screen positive for DR. Tele-ophthalmologic screening can be effective in an urban, culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged population.

Participants with low income are more likely to screen positive for DR. Tele-ophthalmologic screening can be effective in an urban, culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged population.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of self-management of feet for patients with diabetes from the perspective of the patient, support person and health-care provider.

The qualitative method, Interpretive Description, was used to guide data collection and analysis. Semistructured interviews were completed with 11 patients, 4 support persons and 9 health-care providers.

The overarching theme was that self-management of diabetes and specifically foot health is complex. Six subthemes were identified. Four confirmed what is known in the literature knowledge of foot self-management, physical ability to provide foot care, footwear and support. The remaining 2 subthemes, readiness to self-manage feet and communicating between patients and health-care providers, offered new insights in relation to self-management of foot health.

The present findings have major implications for clinical practice, which can be categorized as the 3Rs rapport, readiness and reinforcement. Rapport with patients and support persons is vital in creating an environment where foot health concerns can be addressed. Readiness to self-manage foot health is an important factor; health-care providers can capitalize on a patient’s level of readiness, regularly tailoring foot education to a patient’s needs. Reinforcement of positive foot health with patients and support persons is an important strategy for all health-care providers.

The present findings have major implications for clinical practice, which can be categorized as the 3Rs rapport, readiness and reinforcement. Rapport with patients and support persons is vital in creating an environment where foot health concerns can be addressed. Readiness to self-manage foot health is an important factor; health-care providers can capitalize on a patient’s level of readiness, regularly tailoring foot education to a patient’s needs. Reinforcement of positive foot health with patients and support persons is an important strategy for all health-care providers.