Quality of Life in School-Aged Children With Type 1 Diabetes on Intensive Treatment and Their Parents

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the child, parent, and family factors associated with quality of life and metabolic control in school-aged children with type 1 diabetes on intensive treatment. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was performed of child, parent, and family psychosocial variables with child quality of life and metabolic control. RESULTS Families of school-aged children were able to intensively manage type 1 diabetes, achieve good metabolic control (<7.5%), experience good quality of life, and cope well with the demands of treatment. However, increased depressive symptoms were reported in the children (8%) and a parent (29%). CONCLUSIONS Most school-aged children and families in this sample coped well with the demands of intensive treatment. However, intensive psychosocial support may also be indicated because managing a complex chronic illness is stressful and potentially difficult for some families.