P-182: Psychosocial burden of type 1 diabetes in a multilingual, culturally diverse, underserved pediatric population; findings from a camp-based assessment in northern Kenya
J MureuAbstract
Introduction
In low-resource settings, Type 1 diabetes care focuses on insulin access with limited integration of psychosocial support despite its critical role in health outcomes. Children in underserved and culturally diverse populations face additional barriers, including stigma, language differences, and limited social support.
Objectives
To examine the psychosocial experiences of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes attending a camp in a multilingual, underserved region of northern Kenya
Methods
A cross-sectional psychosocial assessment was conducted among 89 children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes attending a multidisciplinary camp in Marsabit, northern Kenya. Age-appropriate approaches were used: younger children were assessed through caregiver-assisted interviews, while older participants completed structured psychosocial assessments. Due to linguistic diversity, 18 participants required real-time interpretation across local languages (Samburu, Rendille, Gabra, and Borana). Data were collected using structured tools and thematic field documentation. Further qualitative analysis is ongoing.
Results
Preliminary thematic analysis identified substantial psychosocial burden, including fear of injections, stigma, and social exclusion, particularly in school and public settings. Educational disruption was common, with reports of absenteeism, reduced concentration, and school dropout. Emotional distress, including stress and frustration, was frequently described. Structural barriers, such as food insecurity and limited access to supplies, affected self-management, while language barriers impacted understanding of care and emotional expression.
Conclusions
Children with Type 1 diabetes in this multilingual, underserved setting experience significant psychosocial, educational, and structural challenges that extend beyond medical management, underscoring the need for integrated, culturally and linguistically responsive psychosocial support within routine diabetes care in low-resource settings.