P-308: Art therapy for young people with T1D, a pilot study
S Glackin, S Saad, k Khalid, C MayeAbstract
Introduction
Young people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have high rates of mental health problems. Psychology support is non-existent for our population. Previous studies have shown some psycho-social benefit for children with T1D from art therapy.
Objectives
This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an art therapy based intervention on quality of life (QoL) and glycaemic control in children with T1D and their parents.
Methods
Young people attended 2 separate art therapy groups based on their age, for 12 sessions, with a qualified art therapist. They and their parents completed an age appropriate diabetes related QoL survey (PedsQL™ Diabetes Module) prior to the commencement and on completion of the art therapy sessions. Hba1C measurement prior to and after completion of art therapy was analysed.
Results
A total of 12 child-parent dyads completed the intervention. Six children were male (50%). Participants were aged 8-13 years. Median HbA1c decreased from 7.20% (IQR=1.2) pre-intervention to 6.65% (IQR=1.2) post-intervention, though this change was not statistically significant (p=0.324). Child Self-Report The median total PedsQL score increased from 61.61 (IQR=22.5) pre-intervention to 62.95 (IQR=21.83) post-intervention. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated no statistically significant change (Z=0.392, p=0.695), with a small effect size (r=0.11). Parent-Proxy Report Parent-proxy total PedsQL scores increased from 58.93 (IQR=25.67) pre-intervention to 70.54 (IQR=24.47) post-intervention. This improvement was statistically significant (Z=2.83, p=0.005), with a large effect size (r=0.82).
Conclusions
The intervention demonstrated a large improvement in parent-reported PedsQL scores, suggesting that caregivers perceived meaningful psychosocial benefits following participation. In contrast, child self-reports showed only a small, non-significant change. HbA1c levels showed a non-significant trend toward improvement over the intervention period.