Siblings' Perceptions of the Costs and Rewards of Diabetes and its Treatment

This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of siblings about the costs and rewards of diabetes and its management for the child with Type 1 diabetes, the sibling, and the family. Twenty children were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Children attending a day camp for children with diabetes and their siblings made up the sample. Iterative and thematic analysis yielded three cost themes and two reward themes. The perspectives of siblings about diabetes may aid in the development of family-focused teaching programs with the goal to assist family adaptation to Type 1 diabetes.

Key words: Siblings, Diabetes, Family-centered care, Qualitative research