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

PROBLEM

The lives of family members for children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) after often shaped around the diagnosis as long-term/life-long care is needed. The combination of illness symptoms, treatment cost, and caregiving demands for T1DM negatively affects family functioning. While the experiences and needs of both parents and children suffering from T1DM are well documented, literature on healthy siblings of children with T1DM remains scarce.

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to consolidate and examine the experiences and needs of siblings of children with T1DM.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Qualitative and quantitative studies exploring the experiences and needs of children under 18 years old whose siblings are diagnosed with T1DM.

SAMPLE

Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus and ProQuest) were searched from inception till July 2021. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Four themes were generated from the synthesis: (1) emotional responses to sibling's condition, (2) stepping out of comfort zone, (3) changes in family dynamics, and (4) takeaways and a way forward.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of T1DM diagnosis on siblings of children with T1DM suggest a need for healthcare providers to provide them better emotional and informational support, and allow them more involvement in the care for their sibling with T1DM.

IMPLICATIONS

Findings from this review will be able to inform policymakers on the development of future support programmes for children with T1DM and their families and encourage clinicians to revise T1DM care plans to be more family-centered. PROSPERO number: CRD42020204985.