509-P: Type 1 Diabetes Management and the Impact on Caregiver Quality of Life

Abstract

After a child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis, significant demands may be placed on the family. Families are thrust into a new routine focused on daily diabetes management that include continuous monitoring of their child’s blood glucose levels, nutritional needs, activity and sleep patterns, stress and emotional responses, and medication administration, among others. Additionally, the caregivers become inundated with time and financial strain for travel for new medical appointments, management of healthcare insurance policies, and medical bills, causing some caregivers to cease employment or secure a job that allows for increased time flexibility. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine how caring for a child living with type 1 diabetes impacts caregiver quality of life, burden, and roles. Through convenience sampling, caregivers (n=43) completed an electronic demographic survey, Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, WHOQoL, followed by an individual phenomenological interview (n=6). The majority of caregivers reported moderate burden (48%) or severe to very severe burden (20%). A significant large negative correlation was found between caregiver burden and quality of life (r = -0.73, p<0.01), indicating that as burden increased, quality of life decreased. Interview findings revealed three themes: relationship maintenance difficulties lead to decreased social support; declining productive occupations; and a strong desire for education and advocacy. Due to caregivers reporting difficulty with maintaining their own health and well-being while caring for a child living with type 1 diabetes, it is imperative for interprofessional diabetes health care teams to develop novel interventions aimed to improve family quality of life. Disclosure V. D. Jewell: Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc.