Positive Impact of a Specialized Summer Camp on the Correlation Between Improved Mental Health and Glycemic Control in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetic Patients.

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with an increased risk of mental illness. In recent years, specialized summer camps for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have emerged, aimed at normalizing life with diabetes and building skills needed for optimal management of the condition. This project analyzed the effects of one such camp, Camp Sweeney, on glycemic control, physical health, and psychosocial wellbeing of camp attendees (children 5-17, mean age 14.4 years old) and their parents/caregivers. The standard Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was modified by the addition of questions pertaining to self-assessment of diabetes management, and questionnaires were distributed to parents and campers to complete at the start of and 2 months after completion of the camp. A total of 14 completed surveys (7 child/camper-parent/caregiver pairs) were collected and analyzed. Self-reported glycemic control (DM management), perceived overall quality of life (wellness), physical wellness, and psychosocial wellness improved after attendance of Camp Sweeney as reported by both campers/children (Δ17.86% DM management, Δ10.96% overall wellness, Δ16.25% psychosocial wellness) and their parents/caregivers (Δ16.07% DM management, Δ14.54% overall wellness, Δ17.86% psychosocial wellness). Importantly, we established a significant positive correlation between glycemic control (DM management) and overall wellness, psychosocial wellness, and average quality of life (correlation coefficient = 0.92, 0.80, and 0.94, respectively). While previous studies do provide some evidence that these types of camps improve the mental wellbeing of participants, this is the first study to establish a direct correlation between improved mental and psychosocial wellbeing and diabetes management.