Self-Perceived Health Status and Sense of Coherence in Children With Type 1 Diabetes in the West Bank, Palestine

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Self-perceived health status and sense of coherence (SOC) are essential constructs for capturing health outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study measured self-perceived health status and SOC in children with T1D and compared them with a healthy reference group in West Bank, Palestine. <b>Methodology:</b> One hundred children with T1D aged 8 to 18 years and 300 healthy children completed PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and SOC-13 in a cross-sectional descriptive study. <b>Results:</b> All children reported acceptable self-perceived health status and low degree of SOC. In the diabetes group, high degree of SOC was associated with better self-perceived health status and more optimal metabolic control. Males in the diabetes group reported higher self-perceived health status than females. <b>Discussion:</b> The unstable political situation in Palestine may threaten SOC in children in general. Health professionals can monitor self-perceived health status and SOC to evaluate interventions aiming to improve glycemic control.