Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2007):

Self-care in children with type 1 diabetes: a survey of mothers.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide insight into mothers' perceptions of their children's development of diabetes-related capabilities and identify factors that influence these capabilities. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: Mothers' perceptions of children's self-care practices were solicited using an 84-item fixed choice instrument authored by this investigator. Items that were based on the literature and results of a preliminary qualitative study solicited information regarding self-care practices, independence in management, parental involvement, dietary adherence, precision in skills, attitude about diabetes, and ability to manage abnormal blood glucose levels. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Forty-six boys and 42 girls aged 6 to 18 years were represented by the 88 mothers in this study. According to the mothers, children demonstrated higher levels of self-care abilities, independence, precision, and ability to manage blood glucose levels as they aged. The mothers believed, however, that older children had more negative attitudes about diabetes than did younger children. Girls learned skills earlier and were more independent in diabetes-related self-care, yet they had more difficulty than boys in adhering to dietary requirements. Some findings indicated the children engaged in behaviors that were potentially life-threatening or at least deleterious to their future health. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses can use this study to help encourage parents to stay involved with their children's self-care practices into the adolescent years. Providing opportunities for communication with others who have type 1 diabetes should be encouraged. Knowledge of age and gender differences can help establish realistic expectations for self-care.

Author information

Author/s: Schmidt, Cynthia (C);

Affiliation: Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, USA. caschmi(-atsign-)siue.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: MCN. The American journal of maternal child nursing (MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2007 Jul-Aug; vol 32 (issue 4) : pp 223-9

Dates: Created 2007/08/01; Completed 2007/09/21; Revised 2007/10/29;

PMID: 17667286, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Adolescent Adolescent Behavior - psychology Analysis of Variance Attitude to Health Child Child Behavior - psychology Cross-Sectional Studies Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - metabolism; prevention & control; psychology Diabetic Diet - psychology Factor Analysis, Statistical Female

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans Male Midwestern United States Mother-Child Relations Mothers - education; psychology Nurse's Role Nursing Methodology Research Parenting Qualitative Research Questionnaires Self Care - methods; psychology

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