The synthesis in the paper clearly outlines the profound challenges parents face and calls for culturally sensitive support systems to alleviate caregiver burden and improve outcomes for children with T1DM
Authors
Karishma Godara, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Simran Dhankar, Research scholar, Jindal Institute of Behavioral Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Nisha Phakey, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
Parenting a child with diabetes can be extremely challenging, impacting the parent’s mental health and life trajectory, which can impact the child’s health outcomes as well. Sociocultural background can further impact this experience, yet research in the Asian context is scarce. We aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence exploring the experience of parents with children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Asian countries.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies were included which followed a qualitative paradigm, were conducted in Asian countries on parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) below the age of 18 years.
Results: The sample (n=124 parents, age range=21–54 years) was predominantly mothers, i.e., 93%. The common themes were navigating the diagnosis, psychological distress, fnancial strain, systemic healthcare challenges, the role of gender, stigma, and the coping strategies employed by the parents. Mothers predominantly assumed primary caregiving roles, often facing signifcant emotional and practical burdens in the short and long run.
Conclusion: Despite the scant research, the synthesis clearly outlines the profound challenges parents face and calls for culturally sensitive support systems to alleviate caregiver burden and improve outcomes for children with T1DM. Further research is needed with stronger theoretical frameworks and the South Asian population and countries require attention.
Published in: International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries
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