Factors affecting care burden and life satisfaction among parents of children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

AimParents in the caregiving role for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are affected from many aspects including physically, psychologically, socially, financially and spiritually. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the care burden and life satisfaction of parents caring for a child with T1D and to examine the relationship between them. MethodThis research was completed with 293 parents of children with T1D aged 3–18 years, attending the pediatric health and diseases clinics in two state hospitals located in [redacted for peer review] from May 2023 to September 2023. For collection of data, a survey form, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS) were used. Analysis of data used percentages, means, one-way ANOVA (post-hoc Tukey test), independent samples t-test, regression and correlation tests. Statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. ResultsParents had mean care burden scale scores of 56.30 ± 12.4, with mean adult life satisfaction scale scores of 69.39 ± 11.61. According to the regression analysis results, the ZBI scores were affected by the child's general health status after T1D diagnosis, impact on responsibilities after T1D diagnosis and diabetes management skills (p < 0.05). ALSS scores were affected by the variables of caregiver assessment of health status before and after the child's T1D diagnosis, income level, impact on responsibilities after T1D diagnosis and diabetes management skills (p < 0.05). There was a negative weak level of significant correlation identified between the ZBI and ALSS total scores (r = −0.36; p < 0.05). ConclusionGeneral health status after receiving T1D diagnosis, impact on responsibilities after diabetes diagnosis and diabetes management skills are factors affecting the care burden and life satisfaction of parents. Additionally, a negative relationship was determined between parents' care burden and life satisfaction. Nurses should develop family-centered care plans and work to reduce factors increasing care burden while increasing life satisfaction.