Communicatively Exploring Uncertainty Management of Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face uncertainty about the illness. This uncertainty can have negative health consequences for parents and their children. However, little is known about the types of uncertainty associated with T1D diagnosis and subsequent treatment and how this uncertainty is managed. Using uncertainty management theory (UMT) as a framework and 29 in-depth interviews with parents of children with T1D, this study found that parents experienced medical, social, and financial forms of uncertainty. Most parents viewed uncertainty negatively and sought to reduce it by seeking information, joining support groups, and turning to technology. However, some parents preferred uncertainty to the certainty of knowing their child had T1D and, at least initially, chose to maintain uncertainty about the disease by avoiding information. This study also provides practical outcomes that health-care providers can use to help parents of children with T1D reduce and manage uncertainty.