Self-efficacy, relationship satisfaction, and social support: the quality of life of maternal caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes.

Einar B Thorsteinsson,Natasha M Loi,Kylie Rayner

doi:10.7717/peerj.3961

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine maternal functioning and wellbeing as important aspects of a family’s adaptation to chronic paediatric conditions, in particular, children with diabetes.MethodThis cross-sectional study investigated the difference between the perceived quality of life of mothers of children with diabetes (n = 63) and mothers of children without diabetes (n = 114). The study also examined the role of self-efficacy, relationship satisfaction, number of social support providers, and satisfaction with social support in predicting quality of life.ResultsMothers who had a child with diabetes had lower quality of life measured by general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health than mothers that did not have a child with diabetes. Self-efficacy, relationship satisfaction, and social support were significant predictors of quality of life (mental health domain).ConclusionIn order to enhance their psychological wellbeing, mothers of children with diabetes require adequate psychosocial support. Other implications for research and potential interventions are discussed.

Highlights

Diabetes is a serious and rapidly escalating global health problem
An invitation to participate in the study was provided to members of area chapters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation throughout Australia, in an article placed in the Diabetes Australia (NSW) quarterly magazine, ‘‘Issues’’, on an Australian online forum for parents of a child or adolescent with type 1 diabetes, ‘‘Munted Pancreas’’, and through the clinics of various physicians in Queensland who specialise in paediatric endocrinology
The mothers of children without diabetes tended to reside in metropolitan areas of Australia more than the mothers of children with diabetes

Summary

Introduction

In Australia, over 6,000 children under 15 years of age had type 1 diabetes in 2013, representing 139 cases per 100,000 people (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2015). Type 1 diabetes is a disorder that mainly affects children and adolescents and is directly caused by immune system associated destruction of cells in the pancreas (Atkinson, Eisenbarth & Michels, 2014). The caregiver role will increase daily mental pressures on the caregiver as they have to manage their child’s behaviour and health-related factors to a larger extent than before the diagnosis.

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Conclusion