A pilot study on the knowledge and experience of parenting children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to execute a pilot study on the knowledge and experience of parenting children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
Method: Thirteen parents of 13 children with Tl DM who were diagnosed at age five years or younger participated in structured interviews. Data were analyzed SPSS version 16.0 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007.
Results: From the 13 filled questionnaires, the study shows that most of the respondents (parents with diabetes children) are generally have lack knowledge and bad experience on parenting their young children at the beginning. However, they slowly improved themselves (majority only takes one to six months) in diabetes care on managing their children with the guidance from the health expert, continuos support from friends and families besides strong parental teamwork between spouse.
Conclusions: Pediatric providers in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) can improve diagnostic and treatment experiences for parents of children with TIDM by recognizing feelings of isolation and lack of mastery, providing attentive communication, encouraging parental teamwork, and offering ongoing anticipatory guidance.