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The Relationship Between Maternal Fear of Hypoglycaemia and Adherence in Children with Type-1 Diabetes

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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Regular blood glucose monitoring is important for children with type-1 diabetes; however, the relationship between maternal fear of hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control is not well understood.

Purpose

The relationship between maternal beliefs about diabetes, concerns about glycaemic control and adherence to recommended blood glucose levels in young children with type-1 diabetes were examined in this study.

Method

Seventy-one mothers with children under 13 were recruited, and a prospective design was used. Demographics, maternal self-reported hypoglycaemic fear and illness perceptions were measured at baseline. Self-report daily blood sugar levels were recorded over 1 week, and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) blood glucose levels were collected at baseline and 3 months later.

Results

High maternal fears of hypoglycaemia were predictive of suboptimal daily glycaemic control (elevated blood glucose levels), irrespective of illness duration or age at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The results suggest that mothers who worry most about hypoglycaemia compensate by maintaining their child’s blood glucose levels above recommended levels. Elevated blood glucose levels have important consequences for long-term health, and further research could explore ways to target maternal fear of hypoglycaemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia

    Evril Freckleton, Louise Sharpe & Barbara Mullan

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  1. Evril Freckleton
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  2. Louise Sharpe
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  3. Barbara Mullan
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Correspondence to Barbara Mullan.

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Freckleton, E., Sharpe, L. & Mullan, B. The Relationship Between Maternal Fear of Hypoglycaemia and Adherence in Children with Type-1 Diabetes. Int.J. Behav. Med. 21, 804–810 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-013-9360-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-013-9360-8

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