Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To analyze clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional and analytical study, developed in a municipality in northeastern Brazil, between March and September 2021, with 81 children/adolescents with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and their guardians/caregivers. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical variables and two quality of life instruments were used. Descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out. Results: Adolescents whose parents had a family income greater than a minimum wage had a lower prevalence of impaired quality of life when compared to those with a lower income. Adolescents with time since diagnosis of less than four years had a satisfactory quality of life, and children aged 8 to 12 years who self-administered insulin had a lower prevalence of high quality of life compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Adolescents with a family income of less than a minimum wage, diagnosis time of more than four years and children aged 8–12 who self-administer insulin need greater professional support to have a better quality of life.