1547-P: Peer Mentorship for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Examining Initial Acceptability and Feasibility

Introduction and Objective: Despite advances in type 1 diabetes (T1D) care, some adolescents experience suboptimal outcomes. Peer mentorship may improve T1D-related health and psychosocial outcomes. This project examined the acceptability and feasibility of peer mentorship piloted with adolescents who are socio-demographically representative of youth who do not benefit from advances in T1D care. Methods: Adolescents (N=14, MAge=14 years, 50% Black, MA1c=9.3) and their caregiver(s) participated in a 6-month piloted peer mentor program. Families were told to meet with their mentor monthly via videoconferencing platforms. Feasibility was assessed by number of completed mentor meetings. Acceptability was assessed via satisfaction surveys and exit interviews. All data were analyzed using a convergent mixed methods approach. Results: Families met an average of 4 times with their mentor (SD=1.7). Interviews revealed that while scheduling challenges were common, caregivers and adolescents were satisfied with the number of meetings and appreciated the convenience of virtual sessions. All caregivers and most adolescents were satisfied with their mentors three (89% of teens) and six months (75% of teens) into the program. Themes distilled from interviews highlighted factors contributing to high satisfaction (e.g., opportunity to connect, receiving helpful advice), commonly discussed topics (e.g., using diabetes technology, social aspects of managing T1D), and recommendations to improve the program (e.g., suggested conversation topics, more meetings, demographic concordance). Conclusion: Peer mentorship is highly acceptable and feasible for adolescents in this study who represent youth who do not benefit from advances in T1D care. Results highlight the potential for peer mentorship to address gaps in T1D care. Program success can be enhanced by considering family preferences, logistical processes, and strategies improving access and flexibility. Disclosure C. Thomas: None. A. Wolfe: None. C. Yang: None. A. Decino: None. G. Vega: None. M.A. Alderfer: None. P. Enlow: None. Funding NIH/NIGMS (P20GM144270)