Review of Family-centered Interventions to Enhance the Health Outcomes of Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine family-centered interventions that enhance the health outcomes of children with type 1 diabetes. The review summarizes the interventions and outcome measures that consisted of A1Cs, family relationships, and family conflict. Methods Multiple electronic databases were searched from their start date to September 2008 for reports of studies that examined family-centered interventions among children with type 1 diabetes. Results Nine publications, all randomized controlled trials, were located that investigated the effectiveness of family-centered interventions. Findings indicated that family-centered interventions significantly improved A1Cs, enhanced family dynamics, and decreased family conflict. Conclusions Family-centered interventions targeting children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes appear to be effective in enhancing health outcomes. These interventions focused on traditional 2-parent families, and many did not report race or ethnicity. Given the increasing number of single-parent households and divorced parents, a need exists to explore and develop family-centered interventions that target nontraditional family structures as well as addressing cultural differences.