How effective is a short-term educational and support intervention for families of an adolescent with type 1 diabetes?

Abstract

Purpose. To study adaptation and coping strategies of parents who had adolescents with diabetes and the effect of a short-term educational and support intervention. Design and Method. A quasi-experimental design was used in the study on 23 families of adolescents with diabetes. Results. A significant difference was found between parents' coping patterns before the intervention. Fathers were, however, found to rate their coping patterns significantly more helpful after the intervention than before. The mothers demonstrated, nevertheless, a significantly greater use of all the coping patterns. Practice Implications. Educational and support intervention is helpful for parents of adolescents with diabetes. © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.