Quality of life among schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes mellitus and the satisfaction of their guardians towards school health care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

AimsThis study aimed to assess the quality of life of schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and determine their guardians’ satisfaction of diabetes health care in Saudi Arabian schools. MethodsA cross-section multicenter study was conducted from February to July 2022 among Schoolchildren with T1DM in Saudi Arabia. The study included T1DM school children aged 6–18 years. The patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data were collected and determined using a modified version of the PedsQL 3.0 Diabetes Module. ResultsThe grand total median PedQL-DM score among the included participants (N = 283) was 64.7, while items related to diabetes symptoms and diabetes management were 61.1 and 68.7, respectively. Schoolchildren who have lower HbA1c levels and take care of regular monitoring of their blood glucose showed significantly better quality of life concerning diabetes symptoms. A significant number of guardians claimed they were not satisfied with the current status of diabetes management at schools. ConclusionsThe overall HRQoL among schoolchildren with T1DM was average and acceptable to some extent. The PedsQL-DM median score was higher among those who received health care during school time. The guardians’ satisfaction of diabetes health care was low, emphasizing the role of health clinics in schools.