Development, validation and adaptation of a protocol for a self-management app targeting adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective

To develop, validate and adapt a protocol for a self-management app targeting adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Methodological study conducted from February 2017 to March 2019 in three stages: development; content validation; and adaptation. In stage 1, the main issues about self-management practices in type 1 diabetes were discussed regarding educational, psychosocial and behavioral aspects. In stage 2, 32 healthcare professionals were invited to participate as members of the Expert Committee. Stage 3 comprised two of face-to-face tests of the protocol with 10 type 1 diabetes adolescents.

Result

The type 1 diabetes self-management protocol called AGITO was developed covering six sections: Fasting blood sugar level, blood sugar level before lunch, blood sugar level before an afternoon snack, blood sugar level before dinner, blood sugar level before a bedtime snack, and emotional health. Each section of the protocol has multiple items that are answered by each adolescent according to his/her glycemic control situation. Agreement between the evaluators and the target population regarding the clarity and relevance of the items was confirmed by the content validity index, which ranged from 0.90 to 1.0. Adaptation was carried out to make sure the language in the protocol is closely patterned upon the vocabulary most frequently used by adolescents in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The AGITO protocol was developed and its content validated, allowing it to be used as a self-management strategy for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus, type 1; Self care; Emotions; Protocols; Mobile devices