School-age children with diabetes: role of maternal self-efficacy, environment, and management behaviors.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between maternal environment (child behavior and coping resources), diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes management behaviors, and child glycemic control.

METHODS

Study participants were recruited from 3 outpatient clinics in the Midwest and included 41 mothers of children with type 1 diabetes, ages 6 to 10. All participants completed the following measures: Coping Resources Inventory, Behavioral Assessment System for Children-Parent Report, Maternal Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Scale, Diabetes Management Scale-Parent, and 24-hour diabetes behavior recall. Downloaded glucose data and child HgbA1c were obtained by chart review. Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the influence of maternal environment on maternal diabetes self-efficacy and diabetes management behavior. Pearson product moment correlations were used to determine if relationships existed between maternal self-efficacy, diabetes management behaviors, and child metabolic control.

RESULTS

Coping resources contributed significantly to mothers' diabetes self-efficacy. No significant relationship was found between the mothers' environment and diabetes management behavior. Self-efficacy did not predict maternal diabetes management behaviors. The blood glucose testing and maternal recall of diabetes behaviors were correlated to metabolic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers with coping resources felt more confident in managing their children's diabetes. Child behavior did not influence a mother's diabetes management behaviors. Mothers who were consistent in their diabetes management behaviors had children in better metabolic control. More information is needed to determine what mothers view as barriers in providing diabetes care for their children.