2778-LB: Trust Components in Device Usage among Young Adults (YAs) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction and Objective: Trust shapes human-technology interaction, particularly as automated systems are increasingly embedded in daily life. For YAs with T1D, diabetes devices are central to self-management. As little is known in the literature, our study examines how trust in devices forms and evolves, and influences diabetes identity (DI). Methods: Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with YAs (18-30) with T1D as part of a grounded theory study analyzed using constant comparison, exploring DI journey. An emergent theme characterized the relationship between device use and DI. Results: Participants’ baseline trust propensity was shaped by health literacy, social support, and socioeconomic context. During device perception, they evaluated usefulness, performance, and anticipated errors. Lived experience functioned as a turning point: positive experiences reinforced reliance, reduced mental load, and facilitated DI integration, while device failures disrupted trust, heightened stress, and required active trust calibration, including seeking support, switching devices, and triangulating glucose information. Conclusion: Trust emerges as a dynamic mechanism shaping device perception, adoption, and continued use among YAs with T1D. Attending to trust propensity and calibration may help clinicians anticipate disruptions, address support needs, and strengthen psychosocial and glycemic outcomes. Disclosure Y. Mo: None. E. Pyatak: None. Funding Margaret Rood Dissertation Award (PR0002865)