Health beliefs of parents of children with type 1 diabetes

Résumé 0

The objective of the study was to describe the health beliefs of parents of carrying children with Type 1 Diabetes and to understand behaviors and attitudes that may influence treatment. We interviewed 13 people, 11 month to 10 years old children’s parents with Type 1 Diabetes, using the “health beliefs” model. This model covers the: impact of the diagnosis, susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy and present expectations of the future. The parents experienced difficulties, fears and uncertainties in dealing with their children’s diagnosis. In all stages of the disease, from diagnosis to the present time of interview, the parents disclose intense suffering from the pervasive feeling of imminent loss. We recommend that the parents receive support from a team of health professionals who have specific knowledge and are armed with the purpose of informing the family about the disease. This support should be aimed at minimizing the fears and uncertainties that can hinder the family’s adhesion to the treatment. We expect that with this type of support, both the quality of life of the patients and their family will greatly improve.