Silvana Zaffani, Isabella Maccagnan, Anita Morandi, Lara Comerlati, Alberto Sabbion, Giovanna Contreas, Marco Marigliano and Claudio Maffeis
Background: Psychological problems and low quality of life (QoL) in children with
type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
T1DM) were reported as correlated with T1DM. This study wants to test if the prevalence of anxiety and depression is higher in young patients with T1DM than in controls, if the level of QoL is lower and if anxiety and QoL correlate with glyco-metabolic control. Methods: A total of 100 children with T1DM, aged 8-13 years, were recruited and 114 healthy children were recruited as controls. All children with T1DM were receiving a routine psychological support. Patients and controls underwent three questionnaires [the Self Administrated Psychiatric Scale Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA), the Children’s
Depression
Inventory (CDI) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)]. Diabetes–related, physical and socio-demographic parameters were also collected. Results: SAFA, CDI and PedsQL mean score were not statistically different in T1DM and in control group. Just the “separation anxiety” scale showed significantly higher mean score in the T1DM than in the control group (43.77 ± 10.34 vs. 23.11 ± 18.25, p<0.01). A significant correlation between QoL and metabolic control (HbA1c) (r=0.21, p<0.05) was found. HbA1c increased with the mother’s education (r=0.42, p<0.05) and occupation level (r=0.35, p<0.05), and with the number of siblings (r = 0.20, p<0.05). Conclusions: T1DM is not a condition promoting per se more psychological discomfort even if a higher level of separation anxiety was shown. Interestingly, a higher level of self-perceived QoL was associated with worse glycometabolic control. Significant findings of the study: 1. The anxiety, depression and QoL levels were not significantly different in children with T1DM vs healthy peers even if children with T1DM showed higher separation anxiety 2. There was not association between psychological parameters and the glycometabolic control (HbA1c) What this study adds: The self-perceived QoL, in subjects with T1DM, was higher in subjects with worse glycometabolic control and lower in patients with better glycometabolic control Psycho-educational and therapeutic programs should sustain
parents
and children with T1DM