Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection-related complications, increasing fear in this population. The effect of the pandemic on quality of life for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been evaluated. Youth with T1D (n=108, mean age 11.6±4.0 yrs, mean T1D duration 5.3±3.9, 57.4% male) and a parent completed surveys at baseline (September to November 2020) and every 3 months for 12 months. Measures included the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey ([CEFIS], exposure (range 0-25) , family impact (range 0-4, scores >2.5 indicate negative impact) , distress (range 1-10)) , the PedsQL Diabetes Module (higher score indicates higher quality of life) , and the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment surveys (higher score indicates more problems) . CEFIS impact score remained above 2.5 over 12 months. Parent Proxy PedsQL decreased from 3 to 6 months (p=0.019) and 3 to 12 months (p=0.017) . Parent Proxy PROMIS Sleep-Related Impairment increased from 6 to 12 months (p=0.03) and 9 to 12 months (p=0.004) . PedsQL (parent and child) significantly decreased with increased exposure (p<0.001 and p=0.011) and impact (p<0.001 and p=0.016) . Families of youth with T1D were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Parents reported worsening child quality of life and sleep-related impairment during this time. As the pandemic continues, it is important for health care providers to be mindful of mental health in youth with T1D.