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Adapting to compromised routines: Parental perspectives on physical activity and health for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in the UK during COVID-19 lockdown

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Rachel StockerORCiD, Dr Alisha GuptaORCiD, Dr Guy TaylorORCiD, Professor James ShawORCiD, Dr Daniel WestORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2024 The Author(s). Purpose: To determine how COVID-19 lockdown impacted physical activity (PA) levels, wellbeing, and diabetes management in children (aged 0–17 years) with type 1 diabetes (T1D), from the perspectives of their parent/guardian. Design and methods: This qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger, parallel mixed-methods design study, which incorporated a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Interviewees were recruited from the survey, which was distributed to parents of children/adolescents with T1D in the UK. Interviews explored diabetes management, mental and physical wellbeing, changes in PA levels, sleep quality before/during lockdown, and the effects of lockdown on the individual and their family. The interviews were transcribed and the data were analysed thematically. Results: 14 interviews were conducted with parents. Thematic analysis generated a central theme of routine disruption, with four further themes on diabetes management routines, harnessing the opportunities of lockdown, weighing up risk, and variable impact on wellbeing. Conclusions: Maintaining or increasing PA during COVID-19 lockdown was associated with better diabetes management, sleep, and wellbeing for children/adolescents with T1D, despite significant disruption to established routines. Use of technology during the pandemic contributed positively to wellbeing. Practice implications: It is crucial to emphasize the significance of maintaining a well-structured routine when treating patients with type 1 diabetes. A consistent routine, incorporating regular physical exercise and good sleep hygiene, will help with managing overall diabetes control.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Stocker R, Gupta A, Taylor GS, Shaw JA, West DJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Year: 2024

Volume: 77

Pages: e242-e250

Print publication date: 01/07/2024

Online publication date: 23/04/2024

Acceptance date: 10/04/2024

Date deposited: 07/05/2024

ISSN (print): 0882-5963

ISSN (electronic): 1532-8449

Publisher: W.B. Saunders

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2024.04.035

DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.04.035

Data Access Statement: The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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