Case-Based Insights: Arab Muslim Mothers' Experiences of Managing a Child Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Experiences and needs of Saudi mothers when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

Aim

To explore the experiences of Saudi mothers with children or adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes mellitus at time of diagnosis.

Background

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has one of the highest incidence rates of Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents in the world. Few studies have considered the most appropriate methods of support for parents in the KSA and none report the experiences of Saudi mothers.

Design

Phenomenological inquiry.

Method

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 Saudi mothers and data were analysed following Giorgi’s 5-step method.

Results

The lived experiences of Saudi mothers coalesced around three overarching themes and eight subthemes: 1. In the dark (mother’s instinct, challenges of diagnosis phase, cultural reflections); 2. Empowerment (methods of support, mother’s health and wellbeing); 3. Coping and acceptance (stigma and cultural perceptions, coping strategies, transformation and adaptation).

Conclusions

Effective interventions delivered in other countries to support mothers may be effective in the KSA. However, the central role that Saudi mothers play in the management of their child’s condition, and the place of Islam in Saudi society, indicate the need for customized methods of support that take into account psychosociocultural needs of both mother and child.

Experience and Educational Needs of Arab Parental Caregivers Regarding their Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a common chronic health condition in children that necessitates close monitoring and care. Parents face numerous challenges when caring for children with T1DM, particularly at home owing to self-care. There is little information available about Arab parents’ experiences and educational needs when caring for children with TIDM. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and educational needs of Arab parental caregivers in Saudi Arabia who live with and care for children diagnosed with T1DM. An inductive qualitative descriptive design was used in this study. The data were amassed over a 4 month period through audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with 16 Arab parents of children aged 18 years and under who had been diagnosed with T1DM within the previous 6 months. Data were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis. The results could be classified into 3 categories related to the parents’ experience of caring for a child newly diagnosed with T1DM and their educational needs and can be described as follows: (1) management of uncertainty regarding T1DM; (2) management of new daily life situations; and (3) self-care management within the family. The Arab parents of children with T1DM accentuated the need for continuous professional support to manage uncertainty due to changes in everyday life situations. The findings confirmed the significance of culturally and contextually relevant education regarding T1DM for parents, children, and school personnel. Educational interventions and support in the community are recommended to improve daily life situations for families and children with T1DM.

How mothers of a child with type 1 diabetes cope with the burden of care: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Caregiver burden is a complex construct that depends heavily on the context and culture of the community in which care takes place. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of being mothers of a child with type 1 diabetes aged 6 to 18 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a qualitative methodology utilizing conventional content analysis. We conducted 24 interviews with 20 mothers who had a child with type 1 diabetes aged 6 to 17 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of mothers and children were 36.3 and 12.3 years, respectively. The mean of years with the disease was 4.3 years. Thirteen children were girls. The essential theme was coping with the burden of care through personalized coping and active acquisition of social support. The main theme consists of four sub-themes including Crisis in the family and burden of care, Losing the family equilibrium, Personalized coping strategies, and Active acquisition of social support. Mothers used personalized strategies and every support they could get to reach their aim.

CONCLUSIONS

Families of children with type 1 diabetes need extensive and personalized care plans.

Understanding the Lived Experience of Children With Type 1 Diabetes in Kenya: Daily Routines and Adaptation Over Time

Focusing only on biomedical targets neglects the important role that psychosocial factors play in effective diabetes self-management. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) in Kenya. Children (n = 15) participated in focus group discussions and photo diary data collection. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were also conducted with caregivers (n = 14). We describe an adaptation to diabetes over time, identifying four overarching themes: knowledge and awareness, economic exclusion, the importance of social support, and striving for normality. Photo diaries are then categorized to explore daily realities of diabetes management. Children with T1DM in Kenya face varied barriers to care but can lead a "normal" and fulfilling life, provided adequate support is in place. To improve the lives of children with diabetes in this context and others like it, stakeholders must take note of children's experiences and recognize their multidimensional needs.

"I Checked Her While She was Sleeping Just to make Sure She was Still Alive": A Qualitative Study of Parents and Caregivers of Children with Chronic Disease in Indonesia

PURPOSE

Caring for children with chronic disease is a stressful and challenging experience for parents and caregivers. This study aimed to describe the experiences of parents and caregivers who cared for children with chronic disease.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted through face-to-face interview in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Sampling was continued until saturation was achieved, resulting in eleven parents and caregiver who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected from March to May 2019 and were analyzed through content analysis. Trustworthiness of this study was established following the criteria of credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability.

RESULTS

Findings revealed three categories, namely expressions of care, efforts of care, and ways of accepting the situations. Parents expressed their feeling through crying, denial, guilt, and fear of loss. Efforts of care were reflected from trying traditional healing, following health care workers recommendations, and striving to be good parents. Ways of accepting the situations were derived from motivating oneself, looking for support, and surrendering.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents and caregivers of children with chronic disease expressed various feelings and expressions since the first time they knew the diagnoses until they continued to care for their children at home and started life adjustment. The main points of concern and psycho-emotional burden on the family-care provider were identified as anticipatory grief, which occurred when the parents and caregiver realized that death maybe close after they knew the diagnoses. Another concern was regarding the appropriate way to care for the children at home, which was mostly provided by the mother.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Psychological and social support should be given to parents who have children with chronic disease, especially from peer groups with other parents of children with the same conditions. Health care providers are suggested to provide caregivers with information regarding continuing care for their children at home and involve the father in planning family-centered care.