Children with diabetes: Mothers’ quality of life

Background: Maternal functioning and well-being are important aspects of a family’s adaptation to chronic paediatric conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the difference between the perceived quality of life of mothers of children with diabetes (n = 63) and mothers of children without diabetes (n = 114). The study also examined the role of self-efficacy, relationship satisfaction, number of social support providers, and satisfaction with social support in predicting quality of life. Results: Mothers that had a child with diabetes had lower quality of life measured by general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health than mothers that did not have a child with diabetes. Self-efficacy, relationship satisfaction, and social support were significant predictors of quality of life measured by mental health. Conclusion: Implications for research and potential interventions are discussed.