Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between perceived stress, coping, and diabetes self-care activities among college students with type 1 diabetes.
Participants
College students, self-reported as diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Methods
Students responded to an online self-report questionnaire (Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities).
Results
ANOVA analysis showed significant differences between levels of perceived stress for healthy diet and foot care. Simple linear regression analysis showed significant relationships between healthy diet and active coping, positive reframing, and planning; between exercise and humor; between blood glucose testing and active coping, planning, and acceptance; and between foot care and active coping and positive reframing.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that effective stress management and coping skills will positively impact diabetes self-care. Educational programs for college students with type 1 diabetes should address self-care activities as well as psychosocial factors that affect health.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Wyoming, University of Northern Colorado, and University of Arizona.