S Bolu, A Aşık, F Bolu

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to compare anxiety and depression levels in parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with those of healthy controls and to reveal the stress coping methods employed. Methods: Parents of both groups were assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Scale and the Quality of Life (QoL) Scale. Findings: Patient group parents scored higher on the anxiety and depression inventories. Mothers in the patient group registered significantly higher scores than fathers. The psychosocial health score on the QoL was lower in the study group. COPE acceptance subscale scores were higher in the patient group. Conclusion: Parents of children with T1DM are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. Parents should therefore be followed-up, the objective being to reduce stress and anxiety by providing these parents with the requisite education and psychosocial support.