Predictors for Acceptance of Service Seeking in Youth With Diabetes and Mental Health Symptomatology

Abstract

There is a large number of children living with chronic health conditions. Endocrine disorders, particularly Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (TIDM), are the most common among American children. Children with chronic disorders often experience psychological symptoms. This is particularly true for children of minority status. Given that help-seeking among youth and minorities is low. It is important for caregivers to be involved. The aim of this study was to identify possible predictors for acceptability of service recommendations among youth with endocrine disorders. In study 1, participants included youth ages 13-17 with at least one parent (45 child-caregiver dyads). Adolescents' mental health symptoms were measured using the Beck Youth Inventory-Second Edition (BYI-2) and the computerized version of the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Version 4 (NIMH DISC IV-TR or C-DISC). Parents’ perceived barriers and acceptability of a referral were measured. Study 2 included 102 caregivers of children ages four to 20, who completed an anonymous survey at an endocrine clinic. The survey inquired about demographic characteristics, endocrine diagnosis, mental health problems, services, barriers to mental health services for their child. Results from Study 1 found a correlation between internalizing symptoms and parent endorsement of acceptability of a referral, but not for externalizing problems. Supplemental analysis found that those who accepted a referral were less surprised by the child’s mental health evaluation results. Additionally, recognizing their child in the feedback provided to them was also correlated with understanding the services needed to help with the problem. Study 2 did not find a significant relationship between help-seeking and endorsement of barriers, when looking at negative past experiences and minority status. Caregivers play a key role when it comes to their child receiving services. A disconnect exists between intention to help-seek and action taking that needs further exploration Facilitating help-seeking for minors and providing caregivers with support to help reduce identified barriers are areas for future investigation.