Psychosocial Outcomes of Participating in Pediatric Diabetes Camp

There are approximately 18,400 youth who are newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in the United States each year. Because of the potential for hypoglycemia, frequent need to monitor blood glucose, and other medical care associated with T1DM, children may not be able to participate in the typical summer camp experience. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the impact of camp on the child's attitude toward their illness, (2) to evaluate the child's confidence in self-care management of their diabetes, (3) to assess the child's perception and satisfaction with the camp experience, and (4) to evaluate the perception of camp experience by the parents.

Thirty-eight parent-child dyads participated in a pretest, posttest quasi-experimental research study evaluating the benefits of a camping experience for the child with T1DM.

Pre- and postcamp comparisons revealed improved attitude toward illness and improved self-efficacy after the camping experience.

Results of the study support the psychosocial benefits of a camping experience for children with T1DM. Findings from the study can be used by health care providers as evidence to support the benefits of sending children with T1DM to residential summer camp.