Psychological and self care outcomes for children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers attending diabetes camp: A mixed methods study

• DOI: 10.1111/dme.70038
• Publication Date: 2025-04-03T04:23:23Z
• Authors: Rita Sigley; Anna L. Boggiss; Benjamin Albert; Dug Yeo Han; Craig Jefferies
• Keywords: Isolation; Aotearoa; Social Isolation

Abstract Aim Diabetes camps for children and adolescents living with Type 1 (T1D) offer an important opportunity to foster self‐efficacy ‘common humanity’, a sense that they are not alone in their challenges. The current study primarily aimed assess whether psychological wellbeing, diabetes self care behaviours HbA1c improved amongst campers caregivers, these would be sustained at 3‐ 6‐months. Methods Children aged 7–13 years who attended the 2023 camp Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand one of caregivers were invited participate. Campers assessed enrolment then 1‐week, 3‐months 6‐months post‐camp. Guided by Theoretical Framework Acceptability, optional qualitative interviews also used explore campers' experiences camp. Results Of 31 camp, 27 (87%) participated caregiver. showed reduced feelings isolation ( p = 0.036) overidentification 6 months. Caregivers demonstrated overall improvements 0.034), caregiver distress burden 0.006) quality life 0.039). Qualitative findings confirmed high acceptability, participants reporting positive experiences. Conclusions can improve caregivers' self‐efficacy, life, reduce among campers. Future work is needed promote cultural inclusivity within accessibility, able optimise wellbeing all T1D families.