Siblings of diabetes type 1 children: Impact of illness and treatment on psychological functionary of brothers and sisters. Implications for therapeutic patient education

Objectives: The purpose of this exploratory cross-sectional study is to assess the psychological impact of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes (IDDM) on siblings of the ill child. Methods: The study population consisted of two groups of siblings, each including six children aged 12 to 15 years and 8 to 12 years respectively, under the responsibility of the Therapeutic Education Centre for Young Diabetic Children. Group interviews and behavioural observations were conducted within the framework of structured group counselling sessions. Narratives were submitted to a content analysis. Results: showed that siblings of IDDM children have difficulties interacting with the ill child, and display negative emotions such as guilt, anxiety, anger and jealousy. Conclusion: brothers and sisters of diabetic children are disturbed by the occurrence of this chronic illness. Controlled prospective trials are required before these results can be confirmed and generalised