Caregiver Burden and Associated Socioeconomic and Clinical Factors Among Parents of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Patients in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Authors

Dyari Saleem Ismael Ali, Dept. of Pediatric Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah City, IraqFollow
Bahar Nasradeen Majeed, Dept. of Pediatric Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah City, IraqFollow

Corresponding Author

Dyari Saleem Ismael Ali

Document Type

Original Study

Keywords

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, Caregiver burden, Parents, Pediatric diabetes, Sulaymaniyah governorate

Abstract

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children imposes a significant caregiving burden on parents, affecting their psychological and social well-being. Understanding this burden and its associated factors is crucial for improving family-cantered diabetes care.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of caregiver burden among parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and explore its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and management-related factors.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, between November 2024 and February 2025. A total of 160 parents of children with T1DM were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The mean ZBI score was 42.51 ± 14.47 (range: 5–83). Most caregivers experienced mild-to-moderate (41.9%) or moderate-to-severe (38.8%) burden, while 13.1% reported severe burden. Burden levels were significantly associated with caregiver education (P-value 0.001), employment (P-value 0.034), economic status (P-value < 0.0001), child age (P-value 0.003), disease duration (P-value 0.003), and insulin administration responsibility (P-value 0.005).

Conclusion: Caregivers of children with T1DM experience a considerable burden influenced by socioeconomic, educational, and disease-related factors. Targeted psychosocial support, structured diabetes education, and community-based interventions are essential to reduce caregiver stress and enhance family well-being.

How to Cite This Article

Ali, Dyari Saleem Ismael and Majeed, Bahar Nasradeen (2026) "Caregiver Burden and Associated Socioeconomic and Clinical Factors Among Parents of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Patients in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq," Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62445/2958-4515.1096