Societal Norms and Conditions and Their Influence on Daily Life in Children With Type 1 Diabetes in the West Bank in Palestine

Abstract

PurposeTo explore the experiences of daily life in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents living in the West Bank in Palestine. Design and MethodsA qualitative study using thematic interviews was performed with 10 children with T1D and their parents (n=10). Content analysis was performed with the assistance of NVIVO 10. ResultsThe overall theme was facing the social reality of diabetes. This was underpinned by two themes: stigmatization and social constraints. Facing the social reality of diabetes described children and their parents' everyday life attempts to place themselves within the context of the disease and social context. Children and their parents described how stigmatization and social constraints impacted their daily life as a result of fear of disclosing the disease, which could affect their social status. ConclusionThese findings highlighted how daily life in children with T1D and their parents was highly affected by cultural impacts, especially as stigma related to the illness affected social interactions of female and male children/adolescents. Lack of knowledge and misunderstandings about T1D in society lead to negative consequences like poorer management of diabetes, and this becomes mediated by gender. Practical ImplicationsThe findings suggest health care providers need to be aware of the cultural and social impact of T1D on children's and parents' daily life in order to meet their needs and challenges by providing appropriate interventions, strategies and support.