The Effectiveness of Unified Trans Diagnostic Treatment Protocols on Parent-Child Interaction and Blood Sugar Levels in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

The parent-child relationship and the daily blood sugar control by adolescents can affect family functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of unified trans-diagnostic treatment protocols on parent-child interaction and blood sugar levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

The present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest and posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of the study included all adolescents aged 12-15 years with type 1 diabetes referred to the Iranian Diabetes Society and their parents in 2020. Out of this population, 44 were selected using the convenience judgmental sampling method and randomly divided into two groups (n= 22). The Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) was used to investigate the parent-child interaction, and hemoglobin pre-and post-program tests were used to assess blood sugar. Adolescents and parents in the experimental group received the program during 17 sessions. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software version 22.

The means of corrected post-test scores of the Child-Parent Relationship Scale and hemoglobin A1c tests were significantly different in the experimental and control groups (P= 0.001).

The unified trans-diagnostic treatment protocols affect parent-child interaction and blood sugar levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. It is possible to use this program to educate adolescents with diabetes and their families and preventive interventions.