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Mentoring fathers of children newly diagnosed with T1DM
Susan Sullivan-Bolyai1, Carol Bova, Mary Lee
1Graduate School of Nursing, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA.
Insights
This study piloted a social support program for fathers of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Fathers receiving support showed increased confidence but also higher worry, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Family Health
- Psychosocial Support
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) diagnosis significantly impacts families.
- Fathers' roles in managing childhood T1DM are crucial but often overlooked.
- Limited research exists on structured social support interventions for fathers of children with T1DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot test a social support intervention for fathers of children under 13 years old newly diagnosed with T1DM.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on fathers' confidence, worry, and disease management perceptions.
- To inform future interventions for supporting fathers in pediatric T1DM care.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study embedded within a randomized controlled trial.
- 28 fathers of newly diagnosed children with T1DM were recruited from two pediatric diabetes centers.
- The experimental group (n=19) received 12 months of social support (home visits, phone calls); the control group (n=9) received a contact list.
Main Results:
- Intervention fathers reported significantly greater confidence and higher worry at 12 months compared to controls.
- No significant differences were found in disease concerns, perceived family impact, or daily management perceptions.
- Mothers perceived fathers' contributions to care more highly than fathers perceived themselves.
Conclusions:
- Nurses should acknowledge fathers' social support needs in pediatric T1DM care.
- Encouraging fathers' involvement in daily management is recommended.
- Parent mentors were identified as valuable resources for advice and community agency referrals.
Purpose:
To pilot test a social support intervention for fathers of children <13 years old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Design And Methods:
The pilot study was part of a larger randomized, controlled clinical trial. Father participants (28 fathers of children newly diagnosed) were recruited from two pediatric diabetes centers. For 12 months fathers (n = 19) and their spouses in the experimental arm received social support (home visits and phone calls). Control group fathers (n = 9) and their spouses received the phone number of an experienced parent (but not formally educated to provide social support) to call as needed.
Results:
Fathers in the intervention group had significantly greater confidence but scored higher on worry at 12 months than control group fathers. Fathers in the two groups did not differ significantly in disease-related concerns or perceived disease impact on the family, nor did they differ significantly in perceived amount and helpfulness of their daily management. However, mothers overall perceived fathers as contributing more care and help than fathers perceived themselves (p > .10). Fathers in the experimental arm identified parent mentors as individuals they would seek advice regarding day-to-day management and community agencies. Over this 4.5 year study, 6 of 28 father participants and two of the three father mentors dropped out.
Clinical Implications:
Nurses caring for families with young children newly diagnosed with T1DM should consider fathers social support needs and encourage their participation in day-to-day management.
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