A Preliminary Evaluation of a Family-Centered Educational Program on Treatment Adherence in Children with Type 1 Diabetes in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes in children requires strict lifelong management; however, treatment adherence is often poor, particularly in Pakistan. Family-centered care may improve adherence by actively involving families in the child’s treatment and providing them with the knowledge and support needed to manage the condition.

Objective: This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the effectiveness of a family-centered educational program in improving treatment adherence among children with Type 1 diabetes in Pakistan.

Methods: This was a one-group pretest-posttest study was carried out in 2026 in Pakistan and included 45 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and were provided with family-centered empowerment training. Treatment adherence was measured using Modanloo Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for chronic diseases before the intervention and again three months afterward. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

Results: The mean age and standard deviation of the children were 10.43 ± 2.21 years, and for the parents were 41.92 ± 6.74 years. The mean ± SD adherence score increased significantly from 108.11 ± 22.45 before the intervention to 168.44 ± 5.51 after the intervention (P<0.001). The family-centered care program led to a statistically significant improvement in treatment adherence.

Conclusion: Family-centered education was effective in improving treatment adherence among children with type 1 diabetes. The improvement in adherence observed in children suggests that involving parents in diabetes education can positively influence children's treatment behaviors.