Journal of Clinical Care and Skills

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a common chronic disease in childhood that can negatively affect physical, psychological, and social well-being. Self-care education based on Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory may improve disease management and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 60 children with T1DM attending Bu Ali Educational and Treatment Center and affiliated diabetes clinics of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in 2024. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling and allocated to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received four sessions of Orem-based self-care education tailored to individual needs, while the control group received routine diabetes education. HRQoL was assessed using the Child Health Questionnaire before and four weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests in SPSS version 26, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Baseline HRQoL scores were comparable between groups. After the intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in mental health, self-esteem, physical functioning, role performance, general health, parental emotional concerns, and parental activity limitations (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion: Orem-based self-care education significantly improved HRQoL in children with T1DM. Integrating structured, theory-based self-care education into routine pediatric diabetes care may enhance physical and psychosocial outcomes and strengthen family involvement in long-term disease management.