The Experience of Having a Child Diagnosed With Type 1diabetes: The Case of Parents and Guardians
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), a common, chronic disease, affects the patient as well as the
family. It requires daily vigilance in blood sugar monitoring, dietary management and insulin
administration. It is a lifelong condition for children and their parents, the management for
which imposes a vast responsibility. This research has explored the experiences of parents
having a child diagnosed with T1DM. Using a qualitative exploratory design, 12 parents raising
children with T1DM and who are members of Ethiopian Diabetic Association participated in
audio-recorded interview. At the time of the interviews the children ranged in age from 4 to 13
years, with duration of diagnosis ranging from 1 year to 12 years. Eight major themes were
identified, including issues of parental feeling and emotion, factors associated with parental
distress, challenges encountered, family relationship, school and health care, diabetes
education, coping and adaptation. Within each theme, numerous sub-themes were identified. The
identification of challenges and unmet needs of parents implies the health care and schools
systems should acknowledge the need and provide the required services and support. Psycho
social, financial and emotional issues should be managed and a formal follow-up plan should be
in place starting from time of hospitalization, to create access to diabetic education and raising
public awareness. And, a holistic and integrated interventions at all level from policy, education,
and practice and research point of view against burden of raising child with T1DM is essential
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Keywords
type 1 diabetes mellitus; children; parent; stress; hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia