Resumen

SALVADOR ORTIZ, Manuel. Psychological and Social Factors Related to Treatment Adherence in Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents. Psykhe [online]. 2004, vol.13, n.1, pp.21-31. ISSN 0718-2228.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-22282004000100002.

With the purpose of determining adherence rates to the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus and the psychosocial factors associated, a correlational non-experimental study was conducted. Participants were 61 adolescents between 12 and 18 years old (60.7% women and 39.3% men), and members of Fundación de Diabetes Juvenil de Chile. 50.8% of participants reported poor treatment adhesion. Associated variables to adherence were illness knowledge (p = 0.001), self-efficacy perception, (p = 0.027) and an intensified treatment scheme use. Upper-class adolescents showed better treatment adherence than lower class ones. These data illustrate the importance of education in type 1 diabetes mellitus management, as well as the relevance of intensified insulin therapy.