Family Exposure and Impact of COVID-19 on a Pediatric T1D Population

Cobry, Erin C.; Vigers, Timothy B.; Pyle, Laura Meltzer Lisa J.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented changes in day-to-day life. In families of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), preliminary studies suggest impacts on physical/mental health and diabetes self-management. The COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS) assesses the impact of the pandemic. Parents of youth with T1D (mean age 11.6 yrs, mean T1D duration 5.3 yrs, 57.4% male) completed the CEFIS. Outcomes include exposure (range 0-25), family impact (range 0-4, scores >2.5 indicate negative impact), and distress (range 1-10). Data were collected at baseline (Sept to Nov 2020) and 3-month follow-up (Dec 2020 to Feb 2021). Exposure scores were relatively low (baseline 7.63±2.56, 3-months 7.50±2.93), however, a negative impact on families was reported at baseline (2.74±0.57) and 3-months (2.71±0.60). Distress was present at baseline and 3-months (range 4.26±2.03 to 4.86±2.05). There were no significant group differences when stratifying baseline scores by age or T1D duration. Despite relatively low exposure, COVID-19 had a negative impact on families of youth with T1D. Similar family impact and distress scores at baseline and 3-months highlight the enduring impact of the pandemic on families almost a year into the pandemic. Additional information is needed on how COVID-19 has impacted T1D management. However, clinicians need to be mindful of the significant distress families may be experiencing as a result of the pandemic.