The effect of problem-solving skills on blood glucose regulation and disease management in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between problem-solving skills, glucose regulation, and disease management in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as well as the role of depression in this association. Methods: The participants (n=54) were recruited from a diabetes camp. Problem-solving inventory (PSI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and diabetes self-management profile (DSMP) were administered as tests. Forty-six participants who have been diagnosed with T1DM for at least a year and completed the survey were included in the analyses. Participants were categorized into high and low depression groups based on the median split. Student's t-test was used to detect demographic differences in groups. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between PSI, HbA1c, and DSMP. Regressions for PSI and DSMP were repeated in low and high-depression groups. Results: Of the 46 participants with T1DM, 52 % were female, with a mean age of 13.96 ± 1.94 (range 10-17). Avoidant and monitoring style of problem solving as well as the total score of PSI significantly predicted HbA1c levels. Impulsive and avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and total scores of PSI significantly predicted DSMP (p<0.05). The high depression group had a significantly higher DSMP score than the low depression group (p=0.001), with no difference in HbA1c levels (p=0.968). When the DSMP regressions were repeated, no significant associations were seen in the low depression group. Avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and the total score of PSI significantly predicted DSMP in the high depression group (p<0.005). Conclusions: Problem solving-skills are essential in children with T1DM for a successful disease management. Depression modulates the association between the problem-solving and self-management profile.