The effect of the training program prepared in line with the transition theory on adaptation to adolescence and disease management in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Randomized controlled study

Objective: The aim of this study: (1) to develop the "Adaptation to Adolescence and Transition to Type 1 Diabetes Training Program" based on Meleis's Transition Theory, and (2) to assess the impact of this program on the adaptation, disease self-efficacy level, and glycemic control of adolescents recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Method: The research is a double-blind, pretest-posttest measurement, follow-up randomised controlled study (CTN: NCT0469155). The study sample, which was collected between May 2021 and April 2024, consisted of 58 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. These individuals were followed up in the paediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the last six months. The sample was divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=28) and the control group (n=30). In addition to the standard diabetes education programme, the "Adaptation to Adolescence and Transition to Type 1 Diabetes Training Program" was implemented online for four weeks in the intervention group, and telephone counselling was provided for six months. The control group received the standard diabetes training programme. The Reynolds Adherence Screening Inventory for Adolescents and the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes were administered to the adolescents at baseline, three and six months. Glycaemic control was assessed by measuring the HbA1c value. The data were analysed using the chi-square test, t-test for continuous variables, and two-way ANOVA for mixed measures. Results: The posttest results demonstrated that adolescents in the intervention group exhibited higher adolescent adaptation and diabetes management self-efficacy scores and lower HbA1c values for glycemic control compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The "Adaptation to Adolescence and Transition to Type 1 Diabetes Training Program," developed in accordance with Meleis's Transition Theory, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in facilitating adolescents' adaptation, enhancing their diabetes management self-efficacy, and improving glycemic control. Key words: Transition Theory, Type 1 Diabetes, Adolescent Adaptation, Self-Efficacy, Pediatric Nurse