Comparison of mother-father perceptions of their child's self-management of diabetes

This study compared mothers' and fathers' perceptions of their children's self-management of diabetes. Participants included a subsample of 29 paired parents of children and youth with diabetes, ages 8-14, who attended a diabetes camp in the Midwest. Parents completed a self-report structured questionnaire that included content specific to self-management. Results showed high ratings for child responsibility for self-management, style of care delivery, and mother-father self-efficacy in managing specific tasks of diabetes self-management. Although overall ratings were similar, in the majority of measures mothers' ratings were higher than fathers' ratings. Areas of similarity and significant differences in perceptions are identified with implications for practice stated.