AFFINITY DIAGRAM
I decided to create a affinity diagram by using post it notes to display the various words in each section. This made it a lot clearer to see.
Adolescene
RESEARCH
WHAT IS ADOLESCENE?
Adolescence is one of the most important stages of human growth and development and are usually aged 12-18 years old. Researchers now believe 'the brain goes on maturing and is not fully developed until at least the age of 24' This then proves that adolescents are not just teenagers it includes: 10-24years. There is three development stages , these include the following:
Early adolescence (10-14 years of age);
Middle adolescence (15-17 years of age); and
Late adolescence and young adults (18-24 years of age)
BEHAVIOUR, EMOTIONALLY AND SOCIALLY
Adolescence means they go through a series of emotional and physical changes that can result in baffling behaviour. The rush of hormones and physical changes from child to adult can be very challenging. Development and experiences throughout childhood can have an impact on adolescence as a successful transition is important for young people in general as it gives them the best chance in having good health and wellbeing across their life. Strong evidence proves that the self managements behaviours started in adolescence remain with them throughout life therefore this shows the importance.
Above you can see the various behaviours that can occur throughout adolescence.
Change in appearance - keeping up with trends - want to be
attractive and trendy- aware of how appearance is important
upon peers - wanting to fit in.
Focus on friends and socialising - desire to be more independent
‘own person’ - may distance themselves from family (depends on
teenager) - more private
Arguments - defensive
Emotional ups and down - intervals of moodiness - teen years
filled with uncertainty and magnified emotional responses
Risk tasking or experimenting with sex, alcohol etc
MOOD BOARD
I created a mood board to visualise what areas I am aiming at.
Diabetes and Adolescene
RESEARCH
WHAT IS ADOLESCENE AND DIABETES LIKE?
Developing through adolescence can be challenging itself but having diabetes on top of it makes it even more
difficult , this being because of the constant monitoring of their diabetes and trying to balance being a teenager and wanting to fit in. Complications and issues that come with diabetes and adolescence include the following:
Increased risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Insensitivity to insulin during puberty - increase insulin doses
Rapid behavioural changes impact on diabetes control, as
everything even stress affects blood sugar levels
Serious consequences including increased rates of suicide
or suicidal tendencies, bad diabetes management and self-care.
DEPRESSION AND DIABETES
People with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have depresssion than people without it. It is the most common psychiatric disorder witnessed in the diabetes community.Depression is linked to diabetic complications, and psychosocial factors play a major role in management of diabetes. Those who suffer from depression are at a higher risk of suffering from a 'diabetic burnout'. This being where a diabetic grows tired of the 24/7 managing of their diabetes and ignores it completely as they feel controlled by their diabetes. This is very common and nearly all diabetics experience this some time in their life due to diabetics being overwhelming and very hard work.
DIABETIC BURNOUT
Diabetic Burnout can be triggered by many things, including the following:
24/7 monitoring of diabetes. It can become overwhelming as they cannot have a single day off.
Life events and the environment around you such as relationship difficulties, family stress or bereavement can make people with diabetes forget or not want to take control.
Symptoms can include:
• Feeling overwhelmed and defeated
• Feeling angry and frustrated about the demands of managing
• Feeling that diabetes is controlling you
• Not regularly checking blood sugar levels
• Missing insulin injections
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
Diabetes is a self-managed condition which means only the person living with diabetes fully understands and knows what it is like and is responsible for taking care of themselves on a daily basis. Diabetes management can be very overwhelming, demanding and very hard work. Having all this control and constantly knowing that you have to be on top of everything 24/7 , can make things very stressful and emotional. It creates feelings of guilt and anxiety as you feel you aren't good enough and “Why me”, this can also have an effect on your blood sugar levels just like everything.
LIVING WITH DIABETES
I decided to look at the negative and positive (good/not so good) things about living with diabetes, as I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have diabetes. It was surprising for me to see the amount of actual good points that have came from living with diabetes and I can say personally that I am proud to say that I am a Type 1 diabetic, as it has made me into the strong independent women i am today.
EMPATHY MAP
Empathy map created to showcases feelings, hear, see and the pain and gains.
MYTHS ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES
Being a type 1 diabetic myself I know first hand that most people don't have a clue about diabetes and are quick to cause judgement and jump to conclusions. This can be dehearting for a young diabetic as it means they cant really truely open up to someone without thinking their is going to be judgments made, this is one of the main reasons why a lot of diabetics keep their diabetes hidden for a length of time which isn't always the best thing. Espeically when it comes to socialising, and begining new relationships. Below are 18 myths that I personally have heard or have been told:
Diabetes is not serious
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by being over weight
Type 1 is the same as Type 2
People with diabetes cant eat sugar
People with diabetes go blind and lose their legs
You will grow out of it
You have to eat special diabetic food
You can play sports
Type 1 diabetes is contagious
Insulin cures diabetes
Taking more insulin means your diabetes is worse
Not safe to drive
Cant drink any alcohol
People with diabetes cant get tattoos
Its possible to have "just a touch" or "a little" diabetes
Its preventable
Diabetes can be cured with diet and exercise (I wish!)
Possible Focus Areas
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I aim to focus on social development of adolescence and highlight, smoking, drinking, sexual health and tattoos. I feel these areas are very important when developing though adolescence as these are seen as part of:
Growing up
Having independence
Creating healthily friendships and relationships
These areas can be challenging if young people are not educated well enough,due to peer pressures and mental health etc. My focus is to make young people with Type 1 diabetes aware of the risks and how to have a safe and healthily lifestyle, as self management behaviours in adolescent remain with them throughout their life so its important they are made well aware.With having diabetes on top of going through adolescence makes there areas even more difficult.
SMOKING
Smokers normally begin in adolescence years with two thirds of smokers starting before they are 18 years old according to Cancer Research UK. (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/risk/childhood-smoking) Below is a few facts about teens and smoking:
Figure suggest that 12.71 per cent of 15 years are
regular smokers
Teens are more likely to get hooked on cigarettes if
their friends smoke
Teen smokers have poorer health and are less fit
Have more asthma and chest problems
Alcohol is seen as a strong influence on teens to
smoke regularly
12-17 year olds who viewed three or more "18”
rated movies per month were seven times more likely
to smoke cigarettes
Twice as likely to have heart disease
SMOKING AND DIABETES
Young adult smokers with diabetes are two/three times more likely to be sick than non smokers and are twice as likely to develop a heart/blood disease. There are several serious complications that come with diabetes and smoking, they include the following:
Increases Hb1Ac
Develop gum disease
Heart disease - stroke
Circulation problems
Amputation due to blood vessel disease
Nerve damage - numbness and pain
Retina damage
Kidney disease
Facts about smoking
Its expensive
Smoking stinks - gives you bad breathe, stains teeth
Smokers die 10 year younger than non smokers
Passive smoking puts others at risk
Ages you - wrinkles appear earlier
Very addictive!
ALCOHOL: "DON'T HAVE TO DRINK TO HAVE FUN"
The teen social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking but there is many reasons why teenagers try experimenting and take too many risks with alcohol , these include the following:
Peer approval/Pressure - wanting to fit in (boys especially - competitive)
Genetic Factos - family members drinks
Popular media - movies
Escape - mental health - mask emotional problems
Boredom
Rebellion - alcohol most wanted by adult teens
Be more sociable with friends
Gives a rush or a buzz
Makes them feel more confident
Alcohol avdertising campaigns
Complications that come with adolescent drinking include the following:
Decreases ability to pay attention
Difficult with memory
Liver isn't fully developed until age of 21
Intoxication is associated with suicude attempts
Drink driving - not wearing a seat belt
More likely to engage in unprotected sexual activity (one night stands)
Drinking in large amounts can lead to use of other drugs
ALCOHOL AND DIABETES: "I CANT DRINK ALCOHOL IF I HAVE DIABETES"
People with diabetes face a lot more risks when drinking alcohol, but it doesn't mean they cant enjoy a drink like anyone else would , they just have to more aware and wise with there choices. It is advised that diabetics do not consume large amounts of alcohol and dont consume alcohol on a empty stomach , the reasons for these include the following:
Affects blood gluocse levels - can rise and lower
Raise blood pressure
Nerve damage
Reduces body’s sensitivity to insulin
Drinking large amounts can cause a hypo (Low blood sugar level)
Hypo can be mistakne for being drunk - last up to 24 hours (hypoglycaemia)
Weight gain
Mixers rise blood sugar levels (Non diet)
Dehydrates body
Some pointers for type 1 diabetes wanting to drink alcohol include:
Learn how drink affects your first (everyones different)
Eat before you drink
Think about what your going to drink - mixers (sugar free)
Make sure to check blood sugar levels regularly
Carry around supplies for hypo just incase
Carry diabetic identification
Make sure friends (people going out with) know your a diabetic
SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexual identity is a stage of adolescent development and its important that the keep happy throughout, but is it also important that they do not feel rushed. It is known that the sexual health of young people is a big topic in public health but its surprising to find out that the sex education guidance has not been updated since 2000 this clearly shows that there is a need for this topic to be more addressed and made aware. The age for consent in the Uk is 16 but there is many issues associated with this:
Young people lack adequate sexual health knowledge
The highest rates of sexually transmi ed infec ons are among15-24 year olds
More likely going to forget about contraception
Scientists claim teenage romps spark depression and autoimmune conditions
Peer pressures - boys feel pressures due to male friends
There is 3 types of peer pressure these include
Obvious - "Everyone doing it, so should you"
Understand - "You're a virgin, you wouldn't understand"
Controlling - "You would do it , if you loved me"
SEXUAL HEALTH AND DIABETES
Sexual health and diabetes are quite linked which means the better control you have of your diabetes, the better your sex life due to having less issues with your sexual health. These are the steps that should be taken lower risk of diabetes related sexual problems:
Controlling blood glucose levels
Lowering blood pressure
Sex should be approached like exercise - lowers blood sugar levels ( risk of hypo)
Healthy and nutritional filled diet
Diabetes affects men and women differently, as you can see below:
Men
Lower testosterone levels
Bad control - damage to the nerves or blood vessels
Erectile dysfunction
Women
Sexual response problems
Bladder problems/infections
Painful intercourse
Risk of complications are higher, if you have the following:
Poor control of diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Overweight
Smoker
ALCOHOL AND DIABETES: "I CANT DRINK ALCOHOL IF I HAVE DIABETES"
If you are fit, and your diabetes control is good, then your risks from getting a tattoo are the same as for anyone else. The then shows that a diabetic can most definitely have a tattoo. The legal age to get a tattoo in the UK is 18 (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969), although a lot of teens do get tattoos legally but by law the offensive is with the person who carries out the procedure that being the tattooist. Guidelines state that a tattooist must ask for proof of age and record before agreeing to complete a tattoo. A few steps that should be take before deciding to get a tattoo include the following:
Good control of diabetes before getting a tattoo is important
HB1Ac must be good
Research tattoo artists
Tattooist has to be made aware!
Bring a snack incase bloods drop
Test blood sugar levels before getting tattoo:
Licensed tattoo artist
Standards - new tattoo needle
There can be complcations that can come with getting a tattoo if you dont have good control these include the following:
Risk of infections
Slow healing
Allergic reaction
Scarring
Areas to avoid:
Ankles
Feet
Buttocks
Shins
Injection sights
Popularly in diabetics getting tattoo's for permanent identification instead of wearing medical tag has increased massively as it is seen as a way of expressing their strength and that their proud. Personally I decided to get a tattoo because I felt it would come I very helpful in many situations, for example on a night out. When I went to get my tattoo done I was advised not to get a tattoo below the waist due to the circulation related to my diabetes.
CURRENT RESOURCES
The current resourced supplied to young people for the transition stage are very limited, this is why i feel a digital solution is needed.These resources included the following:
leaflets
website information
DIGITAL MARKETING
Everywhere you turn digital dominates
Target specific audience
Young people are addicted to technology - grab their attention
More available
Easily accessed - technology is everywhere
Social Media - shareable - create awareness
Viral
Increases interactions with others
Research conducted by Pew Research are evidence that a digital solution would be beneficial and widely used.
72% of internet users say they looked online for health information within the past year
#3 activity people do online is search for health informationetics.
Research conducted by Greg Jarboe who is the President and Co-Founder of SEO-PR, who is an award winning content marketing agency. Found that the average length of the top 10 most shared advertisements of all time is 4 minutes and 11 seconds. Also recent research found that the number of shares a video gets is linked to the strength of emotion it elicited from its viewers. Therefore stronger the emotion the more likely its going to be shared.
ANIMATION
Animation videos in healthcare have been proven to be effective in providing information,this is due to them being:
Accessible
Wide target audience
Social and cultures aspects
Hold attention of viewers
Help get across a complex message in a fun and engaging way
Boost conversion rates of websites and campaigns
Help create a memorable brand identify
It has also been proven to be more effective than live action as an educational tool because it gives the maker greater control, with creating a powerful message. According to YouTube’s vice president of global content, videos will soon count for 90% of Internet traffic.
INSPIRATION
DIABETES TYPE 1: ORIGINS COMIC
https://revolvecomics.com/diabetes-type-1-origins-comic/
Revolve Comics based in Northern Ireland, is a production company that works alongside charity organisations to deliver a innovative communication which tells a story. They worked alongside diabetes experts in Southampton and Portsmouth to help transform young patients understanding of the condition by turning them into comic book superheroes. There hope was that the comic book would spread the message about type 1 diabetes, and that readers would feel empowered. I really liked this concept of increasing awareness of type 1 diabetes, as it is very unique and attention grabbing. Making the type 1 diabetic into a character makes it feel even more exciting, so this is very inspiring.
OLIVER JEFFERS - NORTHERN IRISH ILLUSTRATOR AND WRITER
http://oliverjeffers.com
Oliver Jeffers a freelance Northern Irish illustrator and writer who graduated from Ulster University in 2001 and currently lives and works in Brooklyn. He is widely known for his style of illustration with the use of his mixed media and has exhibited in New York, Berlin, London, Sydney etc. He is best know for his picture books for children, which are published by HarperColllins UK and Penguin US. He has also made some amazing achievements these include:
No.1 on the New York Times Best Seller list
2007 - The times list of Best New Picture Book Illustrators
2015 - Winner of CB1 Book of the Year Awards (Children's Choice Award)
The book 'Hueys - The New Jumper" which was published in 2012 and was New York Times best illustrated books. This book really stood out for me especially for this project , as it puts the message across that its ok to be different and its good to be yourself, in this case with a new jumper. The colours used and the simple illustrations are very effective and quirky. This is very inspiring for my very own project as I myself like simple line illustrations that have a more realistic feel but have a pop of colour.