Qualitative Analysis of Caregiver and Patient Experiences With and Barriers to Medical Nutrition Therapy Utilization in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Despite recommendations by major diabetes organizations, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains underutilized. Suboptimal prandial practices and limited engagement in nutritional counseling with the diabetes care team may impact health outcomes in these youth. This study aimed to understand patient and caregiver experiences with and barriers to MNT utilization.

Methods

Utilizing the socioecological framework and the phenomenological research design augmented by grounded theory methods, we conducted semi-structured interviews with caregivers of patients with T1D < 18 years and youth with T1D 12-17 years with T1D duration ≥1 year. Emergent themes were used to generate a theoretical model of the relationship between the family unit

SUBMITTER: Azova S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12768430 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature