Psychological experiences and perceived social support: A study on Indian mothers of children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Mothers are often the primary caregivers of children in Indian homes. Mothers of children with Type 1 diabetes experience an emotional toll of this challenging responsibility that the lack of social support can exacerbate. Health care for children with Type 1 diabetes in India commonly addresses the medical condition and its associated symptoms, whereas mothers, who bear the primary responsibility of the children's care, are most often neglected. This study aimed to understand the psychological experiences and perceived social support of Indian mothers whose children are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Methods: This phenomenological research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with mothers using purposive sampling between the ages of 24 and 45 years (n = 13) and analyzed using thematic analysis. The data analysis and collection were done between January 2022 and December 2022. Results: Thematic analysis revealed six main themes of psychological distress, multifold strain, poor Type 1 diabetes mellitus education and stigma, need for social and familial support, caregiver burden, and coping. The findings from this research suggest that such experiences can make it difficult for them to cope with their child's diabetes and have a negative impact on their mental health. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for culture-appropriate interventions to address the social and emotional needs of such mothers. It is essential to educate families and the community as a whole about the needs of both mothers and children with Type 1 diabetes.