Employment patterns among parents of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

To examine the influence of diabetes on the employment patterns of parents of children living with diabetes.

A case-control study of 197 families with an IDDM child and 142 control families without IDDM children was conducted. Case families were identified from a population-based diabetes registry. Brothers and sisters of the parents in the IDDM families were asked to participate as controls. Employment rates, absenteeism related to child care, and changes in work status were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Surveys were obtained from 85% of the families (172 case; 118 control).

No difference was found between the IDDM and control families in the overall rate of employment and changes in work patterns. However, IDDM families were more likely to report absences from work related to child care (58% vs. 45%, P < 0.05). This impact was greatest for the working mothers. The greatest impact of IDDM on employment may be faced by single parents, who reported lower rates of employment and higher rates of absenteeism and changes in work patterns.

Families face decisions regarding employment and the appropriate level of care for children with diabetes. These data illustrate that most families with an IDDM child have employment experiences similar to those of families without diabetic children. Larger sample sizes of single parent families are necessary to confirm these findings.