Compensatory health beliefs in adolescents with type 1 diabetes- a think aloud study

Abstract

Background: Compensatory Health Beliefs (CHBs) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been assessed using the diabetic specific CHBs Questionnaire ( Rabiau et al., 2006). We aim to use the “think aloud†method in order to establish if any of the three dimensions of compensatory beliefs (CHBs but no compensational behavior; CHBs and compensational behavior; no CHBs but compensational behavior) is activated in adolescents with T1D. Methods: Fourty adolescents between 13 and 16 years of age will complete the CHBs Questionnaire using the “think aloud†method. Participants’ responses to the CHBs scale will be analysed using a mixed method approach. Expected results: Using a “think aloud†method we aim to provide an insight into how adolescents with T1D arrive at their answer while responding to CHBs questionnaire items. We expect that all three dimensions of compensatory beliefs to be activated in adolescents with T1D. Current stage of work: Selecting our sample of participants. Discussion: In depth knowledge about CHBs in adolescents with T1D could discriminate between CHBs and compensatory health behaviors.