Abstract
This study aimed to assess the levels of depression in children with type 1 diabetes
mellitus (T1DM) and evaluate the quality of life as well as levels of depression and
anxiety of their mothers.
30 children with T1DM (mean age: 12.9±2.9 years) and their mothers (mean age: 40.0±7.5
years) were included in the study. Control group consisted of 30 healthy children
(mean age: 12.7±2.7 years) and their mothers (mean age: 39.8±7.2 years). The presence
and severity of depressive symptoms in the children were evaluated using the Children’s
Depression Inventory (CDI). The short form 36-health survey (SF-36), the Beck Depression
Inventory (BDI), and Spielberg’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered
to all mothers.
The children with T1DM had higher scores of depression compared to healthy children
in the control group. The mothers of children with T1DM had significantly lower scores
on all subscales of SF-36 except the bodily pain subscale. We observed a significant
difference between groups in their BDI scores; the mean BDI score was higher in mothers
of children with T1DM (p=0.004). There was a significant difference in STAI scores
between groups. CDI scores positively correlated with the ages of and HgA1C levels
in the children with T1DM. There was a positive correlation between CDI scores of
children with T1DM and BDI scores of their mothers. In addition, CDI sores negatively
correlated with the scores of vitality and social functioning subscales of SF-36.
Our findings suggest screening for mental health issues and quality of life in diabetic
children and their mothers.
Key words
anxiety - depression - mother - quality of life - type 1 diabetes
