BACKGROUND
An understanding of acceptability among potential intervention participants is critical to the design successful real-world financial incentive (FI) programs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore adolescent and parent perspectives on the acceptability of using FI to promote engagement in diabetes self-care in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
METHODS
Focus groups with 46 adolescents with T1D (12-17 years old) and 39 parents of adolescents with T1D were conducted in the Seattle metropolitan area. Semi-structured questions addressed participants' current use of incentives to promote change in diabetes self-care and receptivity to a theoretical incentive program administered by a third-party. Qualitative data were analyzed and emergent themes identified.
RESULTS
Three thematic categories informed participant views about the acceptability of FI programs: 1) the extent to which using FIs in the context of diabetes management fit comfortably into a family's value system, 2) the urgent need for improved self-care due to the threat of diabetes-related health complications, and 3) the perceived effectiveness for FIs to promote improved diabetes self-care. These factors together led most parents and adolescents to be open to FI program participation.
CONCLUSIONS
The results from this qualitative study suggest that well-designed FI programs to support diabetes management are acceptable to families with adolescents with T1D. Additionally, the use of FIs may have the potential to support adolescents with T1D in developing strong self-care habits and ease the often-turbulent transition to independent self-care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.