Assessment of Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Bahrain Using PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) significantly impacts children and adolescents, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.5%) is linked to lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), highlighting the need for effective management. This study aimed to assess the HRQoL and evaluate the associations between various factors and domains of HRQoL among children and adolescents with T1D in Bahrain. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 182 children and adolescents from 5 to 16 years with T1D from a tertiary care hospital. Participants had T1D for at least six months and were interviewed during regular follow-ups. Participants Outside the target age group and those with any comorbidity were excluded. Data collection involved demographic and diabetes-related information. The PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module was used to assess HRQoL. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 6.83 ± 3.11 years, with 57.7% diagnosed between 6 and 11 years. The sample was gender-balanced (52.2% male, 47.8% female). Treatment adherence had the highest median score (80.0), while worry was the lowest (58.33). Diabetes symptoms were associated with family income, school performance, HbA1c, and emergencies. Treatment barriers were linked to age, education, insulin regimen, and glucometer type. Adherence correlated with age, age at diagnosis, sex, BMI, education, and comorbidities, with family income (β = 4.69, p = 0.032) and school performance (β = -22.986, p < 0.001) being significant predictors. Treatment adherence was negatively impacted by younger age (β = -20.651 for 6-8 years, β = -12.002 for 9-12 years, both p < 0.01) and comorbidities (β = -12.286, p = 0.021). Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of various factors on the HRQoL of children and adolescents with T1D in Bahrain, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve their overall well-being.

Keywords: Bahrain; adolescent; child; diabetes mellitus; health-related quality of life; quality of life; type 1.

Figure 1

Distribution of various domain mean scores (n = 182).