Parent and Young Adult Perspectives About the Transition to College During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of COVID-19 on parents and their young adults with type 1 diabetes as they navigated the college environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants A sample of 9 college students with type 1 diabetes and their parents were recruited to participate in interviews via purposive sampling methodology. Methods A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured questions via recorded video conferencing interviews. Results Three themes related to navigating type 1 diabetes at college during the pandemic emerged: (1) isolation and mental health: COVID-19-related isolation and loneliness; (2) risk and exposure to COVID-19: balancing risk of COVID-19 with type 1 diabetes; and (3) management of type 1 diabetes on campus during the pandemic: academics, university policies, and their impact on type 1 diabetes. Conclusions Students with type 1 diabetes and their parents had to navigate a complex set of concerns that extended beyond the usual challenges of diabetes management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers must provide additional support and incorporate education about type 1 diabetes management strategies to families affected by large-scale health crises.