Characteristics of Diabetes Self-care Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact of a Diabetes Camp Discontinuation

Abstract

【Objective】 This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of self-care behaviors of children with type 1 diabetes during the spread of COVID-19 and the impact of discontinuing diabetes camps. 【Methods】 A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on changes in the care environment, diabetes self-care, depressive tendencies, and the impact of camp discontinuation. 【Results】 Responses were received from 74 participants who attended camps at 15 sites nationwide. The participants were 13.5±2.6 years of age, and 5.8±2.7 years of age at the onset of diabetes. Their HbA1c values were 7.9±1.0 %, and they had attended the camp 3.8±3.3 times. Changes in the medical care environment included a decrease in exercise time and an increase in screen time; however, the number of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes and the number of times they ate out remained the same for half of the patients, indicating that they were able to maintain their previous medical care lifestyle. In contrast, 13 (17.0 %) patients showed depressive tendencies, and a strong negative correlation was found between depressive scale scores and self-care behavior scores. In addition, the cancellation of the camp reduced opportunities for peer socialization and exchange. 【Conclusion】 Face-to-face camps are important for promoting peer interaction and information exchange.