THE IMPACT OF DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1 ON PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: ANALYSIS THROUGH DRAWINGS

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a chronic, multifactorial, autoimmune disease that is prevalent in children, adolescents and, in rarer cases, young people. Emotional and physical tensions accompany the patient and family from the moment the diagnosis was made. Initially, when DM1 is discovered, a series of restrictions, new habits are required from patients. In this scenario, it is important that the doctor-patient communication is effective, able to deal with all these adversities. Objective: To verify the quality of life of diabetic pediatric patients through a design analysis. Method: Qualitative analysis study which included: a) patients older than 6 and younger than 14 years old able to draw; b) have a minimum time of 6 months of diagnosis; c) having been applied and answered a pediatric quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL) by those responsible. Results: The drawings in general revolved around food deprivation and daily procedures, demonstrating the real understanding that the child has of the disease from the initial dilemmas to the daily confrontations. Conclusion: Through the interpretation of the drawings along with the questionnaires to the parents, it was possible to assess the emotional impact of DM1 on the lives of children, who were happier and freer when imagining the absence of the disease