The readiness for transition to adult healthcare services among Japanese adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

 This study’s objective was to assess the readiness for transition to adult healthcare services among Japanese adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We conducted a self administered questionnaire survey in 27 patients with type 1 diabetes (aged 12-20 years). The survey assessed the patient’s readiness to shift to adult healthcare services using the Am I ON TRAC for Adult Care Questionnaire (Saewyc, 2012), acceptance of disease, and self-efficacy for diabetes. The results of a questionnaire, only 5 patients (18.5%) answered that they were ready for transition. About the median total scores (by stage of growth) for knowledge and behavior about readiness, high school students scored the highest points, and scores of university students were lower than them. The results suggested that patients couldn’t obtain knowledge and behavior of readiness without learning opportunities. This study also revealed that knowledge and behavior of readiness were correlated with acceptance of disease and self-efficacy for diabetes. Especially, self-efficacy for diabetes was correlated with behavior about consult and judgement.