Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-194). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Baylor University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 263-269).

Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Background: Metabolic control declines during adolescence, increasing the risk of severe medical complications. Numerous burdensome treatments including insulin management, blood glucose monitoring, diet and exercise are necessary to prevent such complications. Adolescence is characterised by the transition from reliance on the family to independence and increased peer affiliation. It is therefore important to examine the roles of family and peer support for diabetes management tasks within a developmental context. Previous research indicates that family may have a role in supporting practical diabetes management, whilst peers may provide emotional support. Currently there is no research that compares the impact of diabetes-specific family and peer support on both metabolic control and quality of life. The present study addresses these issues. Methods: Ninety adolescents aged 13-18 with type 1 diabetes participated in this crosssectional study. Data included youth report of diabetes-specific social support (DSSQ) from peers and family, quality of life (PedsQL) and metabolic control (HbA1c). The relationships between social support, quality of life and HbA1c were examined using t-tests and correlations. Fishers Z transformations and hierarchical multiple regression were used to investigate the social support measures as potential predictors of HbA1c and quality of life. Results: Family provided significantly more support for practical diabetes management tasks than did peers. Peers provided significantly more support for exercise, but less emotional support, than did family. Better metabolic control was predicted by lower levels of peer support for insulin management, higher levels of peer support for blood glucose monitoring, increased mood and higher levels of family support for exercise. Quality of life was predicted by increased mood, higher levels of family emotional support, family support for diet, lower levels of peer support for insulin management and higher levels of peer support for exercise. Conclusion: Whilst family support remains important throughout adolescence, peer support also has an important role in the metabolic control and quality of life of adolescents with diabetes. This has implications for clinical practice, the most significant of which being the education and inclusion of peers in diabetes care.

Dissertation (Ph. D.)--University of Akron, Dept. of Counseling Education-Counselor Education & Supervision, 2007. / "August, 2007." Title from electronic dissertation title page (viewed 04/29/2008) Advisor, Linda M. Perosa; Committee members, Sandra L. Perosa, Cynthia A. Reynolds, Fred H. Ziegler, Suzanne C. MacDonald; Department Chair, Sajit Zachariah; Interim Dean of the College, Cynthia F. Capers; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Advisor: Dr. Steven McClung, Florida State University, College of Communication, Dept. of Communication. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed June 14, 2005). Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 52 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

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This master’s thesis focuses on the analysis of statistical process control and measurement methods, used in the company stoba Precizní Technika s.r.o. On the basis of this analysis there will be proposed changes that should contribute to improving the production process. By using statistical methods for monitoring of process can identify specific causes operating on the process and thereby achieve an improvement in quality of process.

Objectives: Systematic review: This article presents a systematic review of studies evaluating the evidence for mobile phone-based interventions with adolescents who have Type 1diabetes. Studies were critically appraised and findings synthesised with the aim of answering the question: do mobile phone technologies facilitate improved outcomes in adolescents who have Type 1diabetes? Empirical research study: Diabetes research has indicated an association between attachment security and metabolic control as well as increased prevalence of mental health difficulties in diabetes populations. There is limited research with an adolescent Type 1 diabetes population. The current study aimed to examine attachment, emotional distress and self-esteem in an adolescent Type 1 diabetes population in relation to metabolic control and quality of life. The current study also aimed to evaluate the impact of ‘wellbeing text-messaging support’ with the same population. Method: Systematic review: A systematic search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies. An electronic database search, combined with a hand search of key journals and reference sections of key papers, was undertaken. Methodological quality was determined using an idiosyncratic measure including information relating to study design, sample size, interventions and statistical analyses. A narrative synthesis was performed due to the heterogeneity of the sample. Empirical research study: 60 participants aged between 12-18 years old who had a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes for over 12 months took part. A longitudinal questionnaire design was used to collect data using five validated psychological measures. HbA1c was used as a measure of metabolic control. Text-messaging comprised a wellbeing module delivered daily over a three-week period. Results: Systematic review: 12 eligible studies were identified. One achieved a rating of ‘very good’, two a rating of ‘good’ and the remaining nine were pilot and/or feasibility studies, of whom four received a rating of ‘fair’ and ‘five received a rating of ‘poor’ methodological quality. Results indicated limited good quality evidence which included improved adherence and self-efficacy and mixed results in relation to metabolic control. Limitations identified included the use of small, convenience samples and short study duration. Empirical research study: High levels of fearful attachment security predicted poorer metabolic control and poorer quality of life, and high levels of emotional distress predicted poorer quality of life. ‘Wellbeing text-messaging support’ resulted in significantly improved quality of life. Conclusion: Systematic review: There is limited evidence that mobile phone technology has consistently improved outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Due to the number of pilot or feasibility studies and predominantly poor/fair quality of the current literature, and the heterogeneity of the sample, only tentative conclusions can be drawn, thus highlighting the need for further research. Empirical research study: Adolescent attachment style and emotional distress may be assessed as part of routine diabetes care in order to identify individuals who are potentially most at risk of failing to engage with diabetes health care. This can subsequently impact negatively on metabolic control and/or quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of clinical psychology input in paediatric diabetes teams. Further research in relation to text-messaging support was recommended.