Psychological Maladjustment in Siblings of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in An Egyptian Cohort

Abstract

Background Diabetes is a chronic life-changing event, not just for the sick child but for the entire family. It poses a number of challenges to family units as a whole Objective To assess frequency of psychological maladjustment among siblings of children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Subjects and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 families with a child diagnosed with T1D; for each family one healthy sibling and one parent were included. All parents and siblings had face to face questionnaire. The Arabic version of the parent reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess sibling appraisal of living with a child with T1D and his/her adjustment. Siblings aged (11-18years) took the questionnaire on their own as well. Results On evaluating the parent reported SDQ, 60% of the healthy siblings scored within the normal range, 26% were borderline and 14% showed scores in the abnormal range. Comparing data from the current study with the UK norms, healthy sibling from the current study experienced more total difficulties (p < 0.001). Regarding SDQ- self report, 40 % of healthy sibling were normal and 40% and 20% showed scores in the borderline and abnormal range respectively. Similarly, self- reported SDQ showed significantly higher total difficulties scores compared to UK norms (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between poor glycemic control, as evidenced by HbA1C, as well as diabetes related complications and total difficulties reported by older healthy siblings (p < 0.05). Conclusion Siblings of children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of psychological maladjustment and special attention must be directed to identify siblings at risk who may benefit from psychological support.