The experience of family members of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to describe the significant experiences of family members living with children and/or adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Using a qualitative approach, the study was developed at the Center for Insulin-Dependent Children and Adolescents, at the Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais) Health Department Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity Control Service. The subjects were the family members of the clients using the referred service. The data were collected through open interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis, which permitted the following categories to be constructed: the discovery of the disease; the difficulties faced with the onset of the disease and the changes resulting from this experience; and the social lives of diabetic children and adolescents. In conclusion, we highlight how greatly type 1 diabetes mellitus affects the entire family structure, and how important it is for nurses to understand the situations experienced by the family members of diabetic children/adolescents and including them in an effective care plan.

Descriptors: Diabetes Mellitus; Family; Child; Adolescent; Nursing.