Impact of Type 1 Diabetes on Health-Related Quality of Life Among 8–18-Year-Old Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is one way to understand an individual’s perspective on health, and, more specifically, how type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects a child’s everyday life. Early detection of poor HRQOL is considered a crucial factor for identifying children who are at risk of psychosocial problems. The aim of this study was to describe the differences in the HRQOL of children with T1D according to age, gender, and metabolic control (HbA1c). Cross-sectional data were collected from children with T1D using the DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure-37 (DCGM-37) and the diabetes specific module (DM-10). Non-parametric tests were used to investigate differences. There were differences between girls and boys, and girls reported lower HRQOL than boys (HRQOL total score: mean 74 and 67 respectively; p = .005). Adolescents described more worries and fears about the future compared with younger children. Children with poor metabolic control reported a lower HRQOL than those with better metabolic control (HRQOL total score:mean 68 and 76 respectively; p = .006), but the social dimensions were not affected. The findings of the present study elucidate the importance for paediatric nurses to explore potential problems in children with T1D and use this knowledge in clinical practice. Assessment of the HRQOL can provide the patient’s perspective on the quality of diabetes care. The HRQOL is correlated with HbA1c, gender, and age, and the HRQOL as well as HbA1c levels should be regularly assessed to establish a comprehensive care for children with T1D.