Social anxiety levels and associated factors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared with healthy peers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent social anxiety and related factors among youth aged 12-15 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to healthy peers.

DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a descriptive correlational design. The data were collected with The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) and a youth descriptive information form.

RESULTS: The overall SAS-A mean score was statistically significantly higher for adolescents with T1DM (40.14 ± 11.44) compared to their healthy peers (33.33 ± 9.34) p = 0.000. The list of factors was related to increased SAS-A scores.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The early identification of social anxiety in adolescents by nurses may reduce possible complications of diabetes.