Psychosocial functioning and health related quality of life in children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Congo.

Objectives: To describe the psychosocial functioning and assess the quality of life of children, adolescents and young adults with T1DM; and to identify the risk factors associated with the psychosocial experience and quality of life of these patients.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the quality of life were assessed using the Beck's Anxiety and Depression Scales and the pedsQL diabetes module score respectively.

Results: A total of 74 patients were recruited. The mean age was 18 ± 4.1 years. Minimal symptoms of anxiety were noted in 51 (69%) patients, 23 (31%) had non-minimal symptoms of anxiety (mild:14, moderate: 5, severe: 4). Symptoms of depression were absent in 43 (58.1%) patients and present in 31 (41.9%) patients (mild: 19, moderate: 12). The patients total score of quality of life was 65.4. Higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.03) was a protective factor against Symptoms of anxiety, while the age above 14 years (p = 0.01) was a risk factor for symptoms of depression. The quality of life was lower in patients from low socio-economic status (p = 0.01), those with poor glycemic control (p = 0.03), and when symptoms of depression were present (p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Patients with type 1 diabetes in Congo experienced a significant elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a fairly good quality of life. These findings support recommendations for integrating psychosocial aspects in the management of these patients.