An Analysis Of Self-Reported Barriers To Type 1 Diabetes Care In A Pediatric Population In British Columbia, Canada

Objectives: Our aim in this study was to identify patient-level barriers to attending pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) clinic and to better understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of these reporting barriers.Methods: Patients were recruited from pediatric T1DM clinics throughout British Columbia. Barriers to attending clinic were identified through a survey. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who reported difficulty attending clinic appointments were compared with those who did not.Results: Of the 197 study participants, 31% reported difficulty attending appointments. Commonly reported barriers were distance to clinic and missing work. Younger child age and residing in northern regions increased the odds of reporting a barrier, whereas residing on Vancouver Island decreased odds of reporting a barrier. There were no differences in glycated hemoglobin levels between the 2 groups.Conclusions: Approximately 1 in 3 patients identified challenges in attending T1DM appointments in British Columbia. Further research is needed to determine whether similar challenges exist in other provinces. (C) 2020 Canadian Diabetes Association.