Age differences in parent and child responsibilities for management of cystic fibrosis and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Mothers (n = 26) of children and young adolescents (ages 4 to 14) with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and mothers (n = 26) of children and young adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) (ages 4 to 14) described family responsibilities for treatment-related tasks and their children's general independence. Contrary to prediction, children and adolescents with CF and IDDM demonstrated comparable levels of independence concerning treatment-related responsibilities and their general adaptive behavior. As hypothesized, older children assumed higher levels of independence in managing their conditions, as well as sharing of treatment-related responsibilities with their parents. However, parents, especially mothers, continued to be very involved in most tasks, even for young adolescents. Independence in assuming treatment-related responsibilities was highly related to general independence among children and adolescents with both conditions. Children's independence in chronic illness management was not related to help mothers received from others as measured by the frequency and/or number of people helping. Findings have implications for pediatricians' monitoring and support of adaptive family responsibilities for chronic illness management.