Experiences and needs of children with siblings diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes: A mixed studies systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Family Health
• Psychosocial Support

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) significantly impacts family functioning due to lifelong care demands, treatment costs, and symptom management.
• While research extensively covers parents and children with T1DM, the experiences and needs of healthy siblings remain under-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the existing literature on the experiences and needs of siblings of children diagnosed with T1DM.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across six major electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest) from inception until July 2021.
• Included studies focused on children under 18 years old with a sibling diagnosed with T1DM, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using narrative synthesis.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: emotional responses to the sibling's T1DM condition, siblings stepping out of their comfort zones, alterations in family dynamics, and identified takeaways for future coping and support.
• Siblings reported varied emotional responses, including anxiety, sadness, and a sense of responsibility.
• Family dynamics were observed to shift, with siblings often taking on new roles or experiencing changes in parental attention.

Conclusions:

• The diagnosis of T1DM in a child necessitates improved emotional and informational support for their healthy siblings.
• Healthcare providers should consider greater involvement of siblings in the care of their brother or sister with T1DM.
• Findings can inform policy development for family-centered T1DM support programs and guide clinical practice improvements.