Relationship Between the Anxiety and Depression Levels of Children with Type 1 Diabetes and the Resilience and Coping Attitudes of their Parents

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With this study, we aimed to identify the anxiety and depression status of children with T1DM and to determine its relationship with parents' coping attitudes and resilience levels and the effects on glycaemic control. METHODS: Our study included seventy-one patients of T1DM and their parents. We applied the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) to the children, and the COPE Inventory and the Family Resilience Scale (FRS) to the parents. All participants filled out the personal information form was filled out. The patients' glycaemic control levels were assessed based on the average glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of the previous year. RESULTS: The child's depression status decreased as the mother's resilience increased. In the mothers and fathers, the most frequently observed problem was problem-focused coping attitudes. When we evaluated the subscales of the coping attitudes, a negative statistically significant correlation was determined between the duration of diabetes and the mother's "mental disengagement," and the father's "active coping," "planning," and "using social support." Again, a positive statistically significant correlation was identified between the mother's "humor" coping attitude subscale and the child's depression status, and between "active coping" and the child's anxiety level. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Parents with children who have a chronic disease exhibit different coping attitudes. These attitudes cause various effects on the child. In conclusion, families using appropriate coping strategies will have a positive impact on their children. It is essential to guide families in this respect.

Keywords

• children
• type 1 diabetes mellitus
• resilience
• coping strategies
• parent.