Shame feeling in the parents of children with diabetes mellitus

Introduction Chronic diseases such as childhood diabetes mellitus constitute a challenge for both the affected children and their families. Childhood diabetes mellitus is characterized by complex therapeutic management and has a profound physical and psychological impact on the whole family and a number of losses for the parents. Aim and objectives To recognize and quantify the factors affecting shame feelings for parents of children with diabetes mellitus. Method A cross-sectional design was performed. A sample of 316 parents (110 men–206 women, mean age 40.6 years, SD = 6.0 ranged 17–57) participated to the present study. The questionnaire included: (a) social-demographic characteristics, (b) The Other As Shamer Scale (OAS), (c) The Experience of Shame Scale (ESS). SPSS for Windows 20.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Results Age and the place of residence of the parents, the duration and the severity of disease were identified as significant multivariate factors on internal and external shame. Conclusion Feeling of shame consist a significant psychological burden of the parents with children suffering from diabetes mellitus. Screening for psychological distress in parents of children is indicated, and preventive interventions are needed, targeted according to the increased needs as suggested in the research results.