The degree of fathers' involvement in taking care of children with diabetes and its implications in family functioning in the assessment of diabetic children's mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Children's type 1 diabetes is one of the most mentally aggravating chronic diseases for the patient and his/her parents. The disease disturbs relationships in the family, disrupts communication, and enforces a change in the organisation of daily life. The aim of the study was to gather opinions about fathers' involvement in taking care of children with type 1 diabetes. Opinions were stated by mothers of sick children regarding managing of diabetes and its impact on the functioning and relationships of the family. Material and methods: The survey (conducted in 2017) was in the form of a questionnaire, which was filled in by 459 mothers. The average duration of the child's illness was 3.8 years, (SD 2.95, Me 3), the average age of the child was about 8.9 years (SD 3.96, Me 8.5). Results: 83% of the respondents indicated that the child's disease was a huge psychological burden for them and that it was the mother who mostly took care of the sick child. 38.8% of mothers could count on the support of other family members. Because of the need to take care of the child, 58.8% of them were not professionally active, and 24.2%, despite their professional activity, were the only ones in the family who controlled the diabetes. In 15.3% of families, the father did not perform any activities related to the child's diabetes. 33.8% estimated that the child's disease worsened the situation of the family, and in 4.4% it caused its disintegration. Only 18.1% of mothers declared that the father was able to look after the child with diabetes by himself. Conclusions: It is necessary to support families affected by diabetes. Their personal and social skills should be developed so that they can cope with chronic disease and the duties related to managing diabetes. The responsibility should be shared by both parents.