Factors Associated with Depression and Resilience in Children with IDDM

Abstract

Purpose: The main objectives of this study were to examine relationship between depression and resilience in children with IDDM and identify factors associated with depression. Method: Data were collected from 63 children whose ages ranged from 10 to 15 years and who had been diagnosed with IDDM for over six months. Resilience was measured with an instrument developed by Kim (2002) and depression with the CDI by Beck (1967). Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean score for depression was 11.71 (range: 0-54) and resilience was 99.03 (range: 32-128). There was a significant positive relationship between depression and academic performance (r=0.598, p>.01), and negative relationships between depression and perceived parenting attitude (r=-0.579, p>.01) and resilience (r=-0.577, p>.01). The result of multiple regression analysis showed that academic performance (β=-0.419$, p>.01), perceived parenting attitude (β=-0.338$, p>.01) and resilience (β=-0.219$, p>.05) were statistically significant for depression. Conclusions: The children with IDDM who reported lower resilience, negative parenting attitude, and better academic performance were more depressed. It is important for nurses to identify the strengths of the children with chronic illnesses and to help them increase their resilience level to prevent depression. Parenting classes are necessary to help parents support resilience of their children and counseling programs for mothers of these children are also recommended.