Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for improving Self-Care and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Type I Diabetes and their Families

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown a lack of adherence to self-care guidelines for children and adolescents withtype 1 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioralintervention to enhance self-care and quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes andtheir families. Participants included eight children and adolescents and their immediate family membersattending the Children’s Hospital in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Comparisons involved aquasi-experimental pretest-posttest single group design. Measures included self-care behaviors,knowledge about diabetes and its treatment, pediatric symptoms, family support and perceived stress fromdiabetes care. The program consisted of five modules: psychoeducation, relaxation, cognitive restructuringand troubleshooting) along sixteen 90-minute weekly sessions. Results show a positive effect in terms ofimproved pediatric symptoms (depression, hyperactivity, anxiety, behavior problems) of patients asreported by their parents, as well as significant reduction in the mean glucose of patients and glycosylatedhemoglobin. These latter changes, however, were not statistically significant. We discuss these results in thecontext of serious resource scarcity conditions usually prevalent in developing countries.