Faculty Articles

Assessing Disparities in Barriers to Attending Pediatric Diabetes Camp

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism

ISSN

2191-0251

Publication Date

12-16-2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: While the benefits of diabetes camp programs are well established, minority youth are underrepresented in camp attendance. No research to date has explored barriers to camp attendance or potential disparities in those barriers. Further, little is known about sources families prioritize in seeking diabetes information and support.

METHODS: This was a prospective survey of families of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using convenience sampling during normally-scheduled clinic visits. Thirty-nine children and their caregivers completed the survey. Results were analyzed for prevalence and mean number of reported barriers, benefits, and diabetes information networks.

RESULTS: Age range was 5-15 years and mean duration of diabetes was 2.9 years (0.4-9y). The most prevalent barriers were location, cost, and concern about sending children to overnight camp. Caregivers had high level of knowledge of camp benefits. Participants reported engaging with the diabetes community through interactions with their diabetes team, Facebook groups, and the JDRF.

CONCLUSION: Increasing awareness, transportation assistance, and scholarship funding all may increase accessibility of diabetes camps. Diabetes clinic and online or social media groups are both acceptable means of disseminating information about diabetes camp. Further research is indicated to verify if these results are applicable to the larger diabetes community.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem-2020-0348

Volume

33

Issue

12

First Page

1597

Last Page

1600

PubMed ID

33035190

Link to Full Text
Peer Reviewed

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