Chronic Disease Management of Children Followed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: With the diagnosis of chronic illness in children, a stressful period is likely to begin for both the affected child and their families. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting chronic disease management by the parents of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: The sample consisted of 110 children, aged between 4-17 years and their mothers. The patients had been diagnosed with T1DM for at least one year, and had attended pediatric endocrinology outpatients or were hospitalized in a single center. First, sociodemographic information about the child with T1DM were obtained. Then, the “Family Management Measure” (FaMM) was applied. The FaMM is constructed to measure family functioning and management in families who have a child with a chronic illness. Results: Paternal years of education (p=0.036), family income (p=0.008), insulin pump use (p=0.011), and time elapsed after diagnosis (p=0.048) positively affected both the management of T1DM and the child’s daily life. However, presence of chronic diseases in addition to T1DM (p=0.004) negatively affected diabetes management. Higher maternal education year (p=0.013) and family income level (p=0.001) increased parental mutuality scores. However, as the time after diagnosis increased, parental mutuality scores decreased. Conclusion: It is important to evaluate the child with chronic disease with a biopsychosocial approach. This approach aims to evaluate the problems of the child and his/her family who experience the disease with a holistic approach.

Vivenciando Facilidades E Dificuldades No Cuidado Familiar À Criança Com Doença Crônica

“…Estudo com famílias de crianças com asma e diabetes revelou que a maioria das famílias acredita que não possui o dinheiro necessário para atender as necessidades de cuidado de seus filhos, apesar do fato de que muitas recebem algum financiamento do Estado (NARM, et al, 2023). A dificuldade financeira pode causar novas preocupações e angústias, diferentes daquelas relacionadas à descoberta do diagnóstico da criança, afetando a saúde emocional dos cuidadores (GÜVEN BAYSAL, et al, 2023).…”

Caregiver Burden and Depression in Parents of Children with Chronic Diseases

“…In the management of this process, not only the children themselves but also the whole family system will potentially be affected. 5 When the family is considered as a system, it is seen that all members of the family mutually affect each other. It is stated that having a child with a disease or special needs in the family has many emotional, social, developmental, physical, and psychological effects on parents and children.…”

Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare: The Past, Present and Future

“…In addition, the number of individuals with chronic diseases is steadily increasing, with a high prevalence (overweight, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, COPD, etc.) who need to be taken care of on a continuous basis over time and during transitions between the various levels of care; lastly, there are individuals in fragile conditions (physical, mental, social or economic) and/or with compromised personal autonomy and/or with complex care needs requiring the coordination and cooperation of all the various players indicated for the specific situation [34][35][36].…”