Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in adolescents is an emerging issue in healthcare, with global incidence among this population on the rise. The long-term illness is known to impact all aspects of wellbeing and is associated with impaired quality of life. However, due to the recent early-onset trend of T2DM, there is little research examining the psychosocial challenges confronting adolescents during this developmental period. The aim of this research project was to explore how T2DM influences the mental wellbeing of adolescents living with the condition.
An integrative review research design was chosen and followed the methodology outlined by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). A systematic search of four databases was conducted for articles published between 2012 and 2022. Articles were screened for eligibility and quality appraised. 11 studies were included in this review, including seven quantitative and four qualitative research designs. Data from these studies were extracted and analysed following Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) constant comparison method. Two synthesised concepts were developed, which were taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing) and taha whānau (social wellbeing) as based on the model of Te Whare Tapa Whā. Taha hinengaro comprised negative thoughts and feelings, diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, impaired health-related quality of life and disordered eating behaviours. Taha whānau encompassed the importance of social support and connection in enhancing mental wellbeing.
The findings of this review suggest that adolescents with T2DM are faced with many psychosocial challenges in relation to their illness. This review also presented the notion that social support and meaningful connection can mitigate the mental health effects of living with T2DM, and thus improve diabetes management. These findings can provide a foundation for future research to investigate the extent of this problem in New Zealand healthcare, along with interventions to reduce the emotional burden on this population and improve their quality of life.