“I am not alone”. A qualitative feasibility study of eating disorders prevention groups for young females with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Plain English summary Young females with type 1 Diabetes constitute a high-risk group for developing eating problems and eating disorders. Interventions specifically targeted at preventing body image and body dissatisfaction issues in this group are therefore very important. The current study thus aimed to explore participants’ experiences with a Diabetes specific version of the targeted prevention program the Body Project, Diabetes Body Project. Participants were invited to attend focus groups interviews after completing the intervention. Results from the study consist of one overarching theme and four themes. Participants highly appreciated the opportunity to meet other young females with type 1 Diabetes, underlining the importance of interventions specifically targeted at this high-risk group. They also emphasized that the script would benefit from a more integrated focus on type 1 Diabetes throughout all six sessions of the intervention.

Keywords

• Feeding and eating disorders
• Diabetes mellitus, type 1
• Preventive programs
• Body image
• Body dissatisfaction
• Health psychology