The Role of Income in Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes - Preliminary Evidence

Abstract

Objective

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be suited to reduce stress and provide coping strategies for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is unclear how the experience of living on a lower income impacts how adolescents respond to such an intervention. As such, this present study explored whether household income moderates the effects of a novel, diabetes-tailored MBI on stress experiences, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D.

Methods

Data were derived from a pilot randomized controlled trial of adolescents (ages 12–17) with T1D and elevated depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Participants were randomized to an MBI (n = 20) or a health education control group (n = 22), with data collection occurring at baseline, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up. Household income was categorized into two groups: lower (<$90,000) and higher (≥$90,000).

Results

Compared to the health education control group, the effects of MBI on stress experiences and depression symptoms were more pronounced among adolescents from lower-income households than those from higher-income families. Anxiety improved across all participants over time, regardless of income or group condition. Income did not moderate the effects of the group condition on glycemic control.

Conclusions

MBI has the potential to reduce stress and depression in adolescents with T1D, especially those from lower-income households. Our preliminary findings highlight the need for more interventions explicitly addressing the role of socioeconomic positioning to address individual and systematic factors impacting adolescents with T1D from lower-income families who experience elevated negative affect.