Diabetes Summer Camp in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Effects on well-being and quality of life

Abstract

Objetive: The aim of this study was to examine the quality of life, anxiety and affectivity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and in their parents after participating in a diabetes summer camp.

Method: A total of 20 children and adolescents with T1D, aged 8-14, and their parents participated. The study design was quasi-experimental longitudinal with an intra-subject factor with two measurements (pre/post), and an inter-group factor (child/parent).

Results: After attending camp, a significantly increased quality of life, demonstrated by the emotional well-being and self-esteem scores, was found in the children but not in the parents. Less negative affectivity and an improvement in positive affectivity was seen in the parents, but not in the children. Differences in anxiety were found in both the children and the parents.

Conclusions: This research presents empirical evidence of the benefits of participation in a diabetes camp in both children and their parents.