Parental Perceptions of Diabetes in Their Children Are Significantly Related to

Study showed that poorer glycemic control in childhood diabetes could result from both lower perceived seriousness of the condition and higher than warranted perceived competence of the child. To measure the relationship between perceived child competence, parental self-efficacy, and children’s glycemic control, Birmingham researchers carried out a cross-sectional outpatient based questionnaire survey of 78 parents of children aged 6–12 years with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, diagnosed for at least one year. Parental perceptions of their child’s competence were assessed, together with parental perceptions of their own self-efficacy in managing their child’s diabetes. Glycaemic control was assessed by the average annual HbA1C level.

They found: “The response rate was 64.5% (51 parents); 82% were mothers and the socioeconomic class and ethnicity spread was representative of the general population. The mean age of the children was 10 years and duration of diabetes 4.4 years. Poorer glycemic control was associated with higher perceived child competence, together with lower perceived age of responsibility, lower perceived seriousness, and less frequent blood tests. Higher parental self-efficacy and higher perceived child competence predicted a higher level of normalization, as did lower perceived seriousness, a lower perceived parental responsibility for management, and a less protective style of parenting.”

The researchers concluded: “Parents’ perceptions of their children’s diabetes are significantly related to glycaemic control; however, those who appear more competent at managing diabetes may overestimate their child’s capabilities, leading to poorer glycemic control.”

An interesting study that showed that poorer glycemic control in childhood diabetes could result from both lower perceived seriousness of the condition and higher than warranted perceived competence of the child; the latter may occur even in competent families.
Archives of Disease in Childhood June 2006;91:487-490

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