QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS: STUDY FROM SAUDI ARABIA.

Abstract

Shehab Ahmed Alenazi, Shuruq M. Alruwaili, Sawsan H. Hashim, Irfan Haneif, Sarwar Hussain, Reem Saud J Alanazi, Reem Mahmoud R Alaqabawi, Raghad Salman M Alanazi, Reem Mohammed Z Alanazi, Norah Alenazi and Ekramy Mahmoud Elmorsy*

Background: Children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) often experience adverse impacts on their quality of life (QoL), affecting growth, development, and disease management. This study aimed to assess the QoL of children and adolescents with T1DM in Saudi Arabia and explore the relationship with socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and anthropometric factors;

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in the Northern Border Region, Saudi Arabia, from June to August 2022. The Arabic-translated version of the PedsQL 3.0 DM questionnaire was self-administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 27);

Results: Key findings indicated varied physical, emotional, social, and school-related functioning. Emotional challenges, such as fear (23.4%) and anger (23.4%), were common, while 52.5% struggled to pay attention in class. Treatment barriers (e.g., adherence issues, needle pain) correlated significantly with QoL. Academic performance positively influenced QoL, with a 5.957-unit increase per performance level improvement (p < 0.001);

Conclusion: Physical functioning is generally well-managed; however, emotional, social, and school-related challenges persist. Addressing these issues through diabetic education, psychological counseling, and peer support is recommended