Explanatory models of families of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze how children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their families explain the pathology, based on their understanding of the factors related to the discovery of diabetes, the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. Methods: qualitative methodological approach, based on medical anthropology and the narrative method. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 families of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending follow-up consultations at a specialized center. The statements were subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Results: the explanatory models identified describe the families search for the clarification of the signs and symptoms that the child had. Faced with the disease, families reorganized themselves to meet new health care needs of children, such as adequate nutrition, physical exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Final Considerations: knowing the explanatory models allows the understanding of how families give meaning to the child’s illness, favoring daily nursing care and an effective control of the disease.