# Association between perceived stigma and satisfaction with diabetes technologies among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in Turkey

## TL;DR

This study explores how perceived stigma affects satisfaction with diabetes technologies among young people with type 1 diabetes in Turkey.

## Contribution

It identifies a novel association between perceived stigma and satisfaction with diabetes technologies in this specific demographic.

## Key findings

- Higher perceived stigma was independently linked to lower satisfaction with diabetes technologies.
- More frequent blood glucose measurements were associated with lower satisfaction with diabetes technologies.
- Improving access to diabetes technologies is suggested to reduce stigma-related concerns.

## Abstract

There was no clinical evidence regarding the relationship between stigmatization and satisfaction with diabetes technologies in persons with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to examine the association between perceived stigma and satisfaction with diabetes technologies among adolescents and young adults living with type 1 diabetes.

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in three hospitals of Turkey between July 4, 2022, and March 1, 2023. The study sample consisted of 150 persons with type 1 diabetes aged 12–22 who attended these hospitals. Data were collected using the “Patient Information Form,” “Diabetes Technology Questionnaire (DTQ),” and “Type 1 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-1).”

The disease-related characteristics of the participants were examined. It was found that 92% used an insulin pen, 90.6% used a glucometer for glucose measurement, 57.4% measured glucose in public places such as buses and cafes, and 33.8% experienced discrimination in public while measuring glucose. Additionally, 52.7% experienced hyperglycemia, 44.7% experienced hypoglycemia, and 10.7% had a chronic disease. In multiple regression analyses, higher perceived stigma (DSAS-1 total; standardized β =  − 0.64, p < .001) and the number of blood glucose measurements per day (β =  − 0.225, p = .029) were independently associated with lower satisfaction with diabetes technologies (DTQ), after adjusting for covariates.

As DTQ scores increased, the DSAS-1 total scores decreased. Improving access to diabetes technologies for individuals with type 1 diabetes should be prioritized. Additionally, randomized controlled studies could be conducted to further explore the impact of diabetes technologies on perceived stigma in people with diabetes.