Experiences and needs of Saudi mothers when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

Aim: To explore the experiences of Saudi mothers with children or adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes mellitus at time of diagnosis. Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has one of the highest incidence rates of Type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents in the world. Few studies have considered the most appropriate methods of support for parents in the KSA and none report the experiences of Saudi mothers. Design: Phenomenological inquiry. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 Saudi mothers and data were analysed following Giorgi’s 5-step method. Results: The lived experiences of Saudi mothers coalesced around three overarching themes and eight subthemes: 1. In the dark (mother’s instinct, challenges of diagnosis phase, cultural reflections); 2. Empowerment (methods of support, mother’s health and wellbeing); 3. Coping and acceptance (stigma and cultural perceptions, coping strategies, transformation and adaptation). Conclusions: Effective interventions delivered in other countries to support mothers may be effective in the KSA. However, the central role that Saudi mothers play in the management of their child’s condition, and the place of Islam in Saudi society, indicate the need for customized methods of support that take into account psychosociocultural needs of both mother and child.