Effects of a Home-Based Nursing Intervention Program on Caregivers Care Adherence of Children Affected with Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that affects many children worldwide. Caregivers of children with T1DM play a crucial role in managing the child's health, but often face challenges in adhering to the recommended care guidelines. This study aimed to find out the effects of home-based nursing intervention programs on caregivers regarding the home care of children affected by T1DM. A quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-test control and intervention groups was used. This study was conducted in Akre, Duhok, Iraq, with 60 caregivers (30 in an intervention group and 30 in a control group) of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were registered at the Gulan General Hospital in Akre city and were selected using the systematic sampling method between 3rd of January to 5th of September, 2022. A home-based nursing intervention program (5 months) was provided to the intervention group, while standard care was provided to the control group. A t-test, chi-squared analysis, and a structural equation model were used for data analysis of the iterative measurements. The end result shows the home-based nursing intervention program changed the behaviour of caregivers toward diet and insulin, modification of the diabetes care plan, intervention behaviour, and additional diabetes care practices were significant differences between groups. The home-based nursing intervention program was effective in increasing the frequency of diabetes management and taking responsibility for managing diabetes at home.