Children's and Young Adolescents' Voices: Perceptions of the Costs and Rewards of Diabetes and Its Treatment

Young peoples' perceptions of the costs and rewards related to diabetes may influence their understanding of, attitude toward, and adherence to positive diabetes-related behaviors. This qualitative descriptive research explores children's beliefs about the costs and rewards of Type 1 diabetes and its treatment via semistructured interviews. Children with diabetes attending a day camp comprised a purposive sample. These children were questioned using a researcher-developed interview guide. The results provide important insights into the perceptions of children and young adolescents with diabetes that may inform initiatives designed to foster positive diabetes-related behaviors.