Parenting a child with type 1 diabetes: Challenges and the role of social support.

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that typically develops in childhood and requires intensive daily management. This responsibility not only affects children but also places considerable emotional and practical strain on parents. Social support is thought to be a key factor in helping parents cope with these challenges.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the challenges faced by parents of children with Type 1 diabetes and to explore the relationship between these challenges and their perceived levels of social support.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of children aged 0-18 years diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys using the "Challenges Experienced by Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Questionnaire" and the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support."

RESULTS

Parents reported their greatest concerns as nocturnal hypoglycemia (95.8 %) and fear of hypoglycemia (94 %). A significant association was found between parental concern over fear of injections and family support (p = .013), and between difficulty preventing hypoglycemia and peer support (p = .035). Overall, higher perceived social support was significantly related to lower general concerns about disease management (p = .034).

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes experience high levels of anxiety. Perceived support from family, peers, and social networks plays a protective role in managing these challenges. Enhancing social support systems and expanding diabetes education programs for families is strongly recommended.