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ABSTRACT Children's perceptions of their diabetes have great bearing on their ability to control their blood sugar, potential for complications, and quality of life. Much research has been conducted in an attempt to determine those factors contributing to positive diabetes related behaviors. These include parental support, resources, cognitive level, breadth of change, lifestyle, and more. Few studies exist investigating the indicators for behavior change from a child's perspective. An important dimension into children's insights is to assess their perceptions of the costs and rewards of Type 1 diabetes and its treatment. This qualitative study is designed to conduct semi-structured interviews in order to solicit children's views. Children attending a multidisciplinary day camp expressly for children with Type 1 diabetes will comprise a purposive, convenience sample. Staffed by nursing, nutrition, and social science students as part of a college course, this day camp has demonstrated a five-year history with a strong commitment to the team approach to care, to evidenced-based practice, and to the provision of a valuable service to the community. Human subjects approval has been received through the appropriate committee at the institution of study. Children receiving parental/guardian consent and who assent to the study will participate in one-hour interviews using a researcher-developed tool based on the social exchange theory. This theory will also provide the framework for the analysis of the transcribed data. Comparisons will be made with quantitative measures of the children's understanding of, attitude toward, and adherence to positive diabetes related behaviors. The results should provide an important glimpse into the perceptions of children with diabetes. Findings will serve as the foundation for continued insights into the treatment of diabetes and to the development of initiatives which foster positive diabetes related behaviors in children.
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