Challenges During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Diabetes Control and Psychosocial Issues in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Mothers

OBJECTIVE: Governments have enforced restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019, which has affected lifestyle and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study is to examine the psychosocial dimensions of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and lifestyle changes in the face of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty school-aged children with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included to evaluate socioeconomic status, lifestyle changes, and psychological state after a 3-month school closure, using a questionnaire as well as scales in children and mothers [Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (short-form), Revised Child Anxiety-Depression Scale (parent-version), The Perceived Stress Scale in Children] via a Google(®) Form. The effect of pre-pandemic glycemic control on lifestyle and factors affecting HbA1c change were also investigated. RESULTS: The percentage of mothers having scale scores above the cutoff in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression were 18.3%, 23.3%, and 33.3%, respectively. Mother’s and children’s anxiety, depression, and stress scores were positively correlated. Employed mothers had higher depression scores. Paternal unemployment increased the anxiety of the mothers. Seventy-eight percent (n = 46) of the mothers thought that diabetes in their children increased the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 infection, and children of these mothers had higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores(P = .01, P < .01, P < .01). The majority of participants were adversely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 in terms of daily routines and dietary compliance. Patients with poor-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus deteriorated more in terms of diet compliance (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 affects the psychosocial dimensions in the family of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The psychosocial impact is reflected within the family and may affect diabetic control. Thus, it should be handled within the context of family. The provision of proper information and guidance to parents may be crucial to alleviate the psychosocial burden on the family during the pandemic.