ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

Psychosocial aspects of mothers of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: the relationship with diabetic control

Alpha Psychiatry 2012; 13: 39-45
Read: 592 Downloads: 416 Published: 01 February 2012

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the psychological profile of mothers of children with type I dia-betes mellitus (T1DM), their attitudes to their children and their family functioning. In addition, psychosocial pro-files of mothers were investigated in relation to putative effects on metabolic control. Methods: A series of 50 children with T1DM and 50 healthy controls and their mothers were involved in the study. Mothers completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Parental Attitude Research Instru-ment (PARI) and Family Assessment Device (FAD). Metabolic control was assessed by the HbA1c value. Results: The mothers of T1DM group had significantly higher scores of ‘attitude of over-parenting’ (over cont- rolling, anxious and over-demanding parental attitude) on PARI and higher scores on FAD affective each other when compared with mothers of the healthy controls. Mean HbA1c values of children with involvement subtest, which refers to quality of interest, concern, and investment that family members have for T1DM was 8.93±1.81% (range: 5.7-14.8%). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between metabolic control and PARI ‘democratic attitude’ subscale of mothers of T1DM children. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was noticed between duration of T1DM and PARI ‘authoritarian attitude’ subscale of mothers which refers over-punishing and a rigid attitude in relationship. Discussion: This study demonstrated that, for mothers who have children with T1DM, disease itself and poor metabolic control may have an adverse effect on their lives and their family relationships. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2012; 13(1.000): 39-45]

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