Table 4 Key lessons learned from needs assessment

Compared to their older adult counterparts, young adults with T2D have different psychosocial and information needs. There is a lack of behavioural interventions focused on encouraging screening uptake among young adults with T2D, indicating that development of a tailored intervention is warranted.

Perceived barriers to and facilitators of screening (which are modifiable and within the scope of the current intervention) include:

• Knowledge: diabetic retinopathy (awareness of asymptomatic nature of DR, high personal DR risk, modifiable risk factors), screening (consequences of not screening, role of screening in early detection of DR and subsequent benefit of timely treatment, distinction between standard eye check and retinal screen)

• Attitudes: low perception of personal risk, recognition of the benefit of screening

• Normative beliefs: awareness of screening approval by significant others, and screening approval and behaviour of similar others

• Intention: low prioritisation of target behaviour

• Behavioural skills: self-efficacy in overcoming common screening barriers to ensure screening attendance (e.g. lack of time or resources), engagement with healthcare (sharing diabetes diagnosis, participation in diabetes self-management behaviours)