Stressful intrapersonal and interpersonal experience of parents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus child

Background: Children mental health has been shown to be influenced by the parenting process and by the state of mental health of the parents. The experience of parents of children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) creates a unique and impactful environment to their parenting activities and mental state. This experience is less understood in the Malaysian context. Aims: This study aimed to describe the stressful intrapersonal and interpersonal interactions of parents of T1DM children. Methods: Focus-group discussions were used to collect in depth information on 16 fathers and mothers that were the main carers for T1DM children. Transcripts were analysed using Atlas.ti and applying thematic analysis. Results were analysed according to the Process-Person-Context-Time Model framework. Results: Findings revealed two main themes involving person and two different contexts. Within the person context, two subthemes were identified that are: (a) challenges managing worry, and (b) overwhelming responsibilities. Within the two different contexts, six subthemes were identified: (a) microsystem: imposing on T1DM child, (b) microsystem: conflict with healthcare professionals, (c) microsystem: extended family and neighbour’s ignorance, (d) microsystem: discouraging teachers, (e) mesosystem: siblings influence, and (f) mesosystem: extended family coax T1DM child. Conclusions: In conclusion, parents were affected by the different interactions in managing their T1DM child’s health. The identification of different stakeholders in the interaction allows targeted intervention to maximise and ensure mental well-being in parents and consequently, in the T1DM child