1.Behavioural and emotional problems in Malaysian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study in a single centre
Wong Lee Ching ; Arini Nuran Idris ; Norazlin Kamal Nor ; Lim Poi Giok
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2023;38(2):13-19
Introduction:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder that requires a lifelong treatment regimen which may affect psychosocial development.
Objective:
To identify behavioural and emotional problems in children and adolescents with T1DM.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study using the Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) was conducted among all T1DM patients receiving treatment at the Paediatric Endocrine Unit, Hospital Tunku Azizah Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Results:
Forty T1DM patients were included. The mean age of the participants was 12.4 years (SD=2.69), with 52.5% males, and 75% Malay. The average duration of illness was 4.8 years, 9 were pre-pubertal, while mean HbA1c was 9.4%. Thirty-five percent of the respondents had parent-reported internalizing problems and 17.5% had parent-reported externalizing problems. Those >12 years old had more internalizing problems (p=0.004) compared to those ≤12 years old. The differences were in the anxious/depressed syndrome subscale (p=0.001) and withdrawn/depressed syndrome subscale (p=0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in the 3 main global scores by gender, glycaemic control, duration of illness and pubertal status by univariate analysis.
Conclusion
T1DM patients >12 years old were at higher risk of developing psychosocial difficulties. This highlighted the benefit of screening of behavioural and emotional issues in children and adolescents with T1DM.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1