Factors associated with the quality of life of mothers of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

The intense and complex routine of caring for children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) affects maternal quality of life (QoL). Thus, we aim to identify factors associated with lower quality of life (LQoL) among mothers of children and adolescents with T1DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 53 adult mothers of children aged 5 to 18 years diagnosed with T1DM, who receive treatment supplies from the Family Pharmacy of a municipality in Northeast Brazil. Data collection included socioeconomic, clinical, and lifestyle information. The WHO – Quality of Life – Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess QoL. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, and unadjusted Poisson regression. The mothers presented an overall QoL score of 58.3% and an environmental QoL score of 48.5%, while the other domains scored above 60%. The prevalence of LQoL was significantly higher among mothers aged ≥ 41 years in the overall, physical, and psychological domains, as well as among mothers engaged in domestic work in the overall and environmental QoL domains. Financial limitations were associated exclusively with environmental LQoL. Being married, having a higher level of education, and having no health conditions significantly reduced the prevalence of LQoL in the overall domain. Our findings reinforce the importance of family-centered care and providing healthcare and social assistance services to maternal caregivers of children living with T1D to protect their QoL.