Comparison of anxiety, stress, and social support levels of female patients with type 1 diabetes and mothers whose children have type 1 diabetes

Purpose Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are insulin-dependent from diagnosis. Both the individual and their immediate circle are at risk for psychiatric morbidity. We aimed to compare the anxiety, stress, and social support levels of adult women with a diagnosis of T1DM and adult women with a child diagnosed with T1DM. Besides, the study intended to examine two groups' stress and anxiety factors. Methods The data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Sixty-three women participated in the study. Results There was no difference between the groups regarding anxiety, stress, and perceived social support score averages (p > 0.05 each). However, clinically significant state anxiety was higher in the group of mothers (chi(2)=4.234 df = 1 p = 0.040). In women with T1DM, higher education was associated with lower stress, lower state, and lower trait anxiety (r=-0.455 p = 0.004, r=-0.428 p = 0.007, r=-0.317 p = 0.049); higher numbers of insulin injections were associated with higher state anxiety (r = 0.368 p = 0.021), social support was associated with lower stress and lower trait anxiety (r=-0.478 p = 0.002, r = 0.449 p = 0.004). In mothers of diabetic children, the increase in the child's HbA1c level was associated with an increase in the mother's state anxiety (r = 0.433 p = 0.035); social support was associated with lower trait anxiety (r=-0.421 p = 0.040). Conclusion Caring for a child with T1DM was stressful and anxiety-provoking as having T1DM. Interventions including social support, may benefit mental health in mothers of diabetic children and women with T1DM.