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Family functioning: a correlate of diabetic control?
S G Gowers1, J C Jones, S Kiana
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester, U.K.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Nearly half of adolescents have poor diabetes control, linked to less parental involvement. Family functioning showed little association with diabetes management, though well-controlled groups reported more global functioning issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Adolescent Health
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent diabetes management presents unique challenges.
- Poor glycemic control is prevalent in this age group.
- The role of family dynamics in diabetes control requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between glycemic control and family functioning in adolescents with diabetes.
- To explore differences in parental involvement based on diabetic control levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving adolescents attending pediatric clinics.
- Utilized the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) for family functioning assessment.
- Compared adolescents with well-controlled vs. poorly controlled diabetes and community controls.
Main Results:
- Nearly 50% of adolescents exhibited poor diabetic control.
- Parental involvement in the diabetic regimen differed significantly between well and poorly controlled groups.
- Little association was found between glycemic control and overall family functioning via FAD.
- Families of well-controlled diabetics reported more global functioning issues on the FAD subscale compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- Parental involvement appears crucial for maintaining good diabetic control in adolescents.
- While overall family functioning may not directly correlate, specific aspects like global functioning might be affected.
- Further research into family dynamics and adolescent diabetes is warranted.