Diabetes mellitus in adolescence: experiences of adolescents and their mothers

Abstract

The growing rate of chronic diseases among children and adolescents, especially diabetes mellitus, calls for integrated health care of the individual in his or her social environment. The objective of this study was to understand the health care experiences and feelings of adolescents and their mothers about having diabetes and the treatment. Semi-structured interviews were performed with eight adolescents and seven mothers at a public healthcare service in the city of Barbalha, in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Analysis revealed the following categories: feelings expressed when the disease was diagnosed; living with the disease and its psychosocial implications; and changes in one's lifestyle. The adolescents' difficulties raise concerns about behaviors and adaptations to the new way of being and self-care. There is a need for care that integrates physical and psychosocial dimensions to improve the care that is delivered to adolescents and their families.