Risk Factors to Health in Diabetic Children: A Prospective Study from Diagnosis

Abstract

This study explored associations between health status and psychosocial, family, and demographic factors among 42 children with recently diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Health status was assessed using glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), a measure of the children's level of metabolic control. Four groups of variables were investigated as possibly relating to metabolic control: demographics, family social climate, child's self-concept, and compliance with the treatment regimen. Metabolic control was associated with race, number of parents in the home, family cohesion, and socioeconomic status. Multiple regression analysis indicated that children from black and single-parent families were at higher risk for poorer disease control and that this pattern persisted 2 and 3 years after diagnosis. These findings can help identify families that may benefit from more effective interventions involving social work practice.