Comparison of Family Life Quality in Type 1 Diabetic and Healthy Children from the Perception of their Mothers

Abstract

Background: Given the fact that the quality of care of diabetic children and their mothers’ psychological health and family life quality have mutual effects on each other; in this study, we aimed to compare family life quality of type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients with healthy children from the perception of their mothers. However, our findings would be helpful for further interventional studies in order to improve both diabetes management and psychological health of their parents.

Methods: In this case control study, mothers of children with T1DM, who referred to endocrine and metabolism clinics of Isfahan city, were enrolled. Demographic and familial characteristics of studied population were recorded. Family life quality was evaluated using Retting and Leichtentritt questionnaire and compared between two groups. The questionnaire consists of 32 items, which were representative of six resources including love, status, services, information, goods, and money.

Results: In this study, 50 children with T1DM and 50 healthy children and their mothers were evaluated. Mean total score of family life quality and its resource classes were significantly higher in mothers of T1DM patients than mothers of healthy children (P < 0.05) except for love (P = 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that the total family life quality score was significantly lower in families of diabetic patients than healthy children families from the perception of their mothers. Our results indicated that most of the family‑life‑related dimensions including attitude and service, services, information, goods, and money affected by the disease conditions and its related comorbidities.