Background: Control of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children is very difficult due to non-adherence to therapy. Children with T1DM appear to have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression than their healthy peers in regular situations, which is likely due to the challenges given by their medical illnesses. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown on children with T1DM in the Al-Madinah region of Saudi Arabia regarding their adherence to medications, effects on lifestyle, and development of diabetic complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted using a questionnaire filled out by parents that were distributed through the WhatsApp group for parents of children with T1DM receiving regular follow-up at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital. The questionnaire assessed the children’s adherence to medication and healthy lifestyles before and during the lockdown.
Results: A total of 200 children with T1DM were included in the study, 117 females and 83 males. In terms of the average duration of diabetes, 103 of the participants (51.5%) had diabetes for between 1 and 5 years. There was a significant change in adherence to medication and healthy lifestyle before and during lockdown (14.74 ± 3.09 vs. 14.35 ± 3.24) (p = 0.044). A significant difference (p < 0.001) in the average daily blood glucose before and during the quarantine was also observed (208.95 ± 61.71 mg/dl vs. 231.38 ± 73.83 mg/dl).
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had a significantly negative impact on children with T1DM.
Key words: COVID-19, lockdown, T1DM, compliance.
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