Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on families of children and adolescents with diabetes: maternal perspective.

OBJECTIVES

to investigate maternal perspectives on the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic the daily lives and diabetes care of families of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

qualitative study guided by Morin's complexity paradigm. Remote, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Brazilian mothers recruited through social media. Data were examined using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

three categories emerged: a) Intensifying care: between the fear of the unpredictable and infection-prevention routines; b) (Re)assuming control: maternal responsibilities over the disorder caused by the pandemic; and c) Reinventing family life: actions grounded in supportive care.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: maternal perspectives reveal multidimensional pandemic-related impacts on family routines and diabetes care and highlight challenges and coping strategies adopted. The findings can inform emotional support interventions and initiatives to strengthen care for these families.