The representation of fathers as caregivers to children with type 1 diabetes: preliminary results from a mapping review

Introduction: Mothers are often the primary caregiver to children with type 1 diabetes (CWT1D). This larger burden of care often leads to stress, burnout,
and negatively affects their child's clinical outcomes. Research shows both familial and clinical benefits when fathers have a larger role in caring for their
child with a chronic illness, however, little is understood about fathers' experiences as they are seldom specified in studies on parents to CWT1D.
Objectives: To explore the extent to which fathers are included in studies on parents to CWT1D and to synthesize the existing quali- and quantitative data
on fathers as caregivers.
Methods: Qualitative and mixed-methods primary research studies in English and Danish where mothers, fathers, or parents to CWT1D are study
participants. Searched databases are: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SAGE, CINAHL, Anthropology Plus, Anthro Source. Publications are appraised using the
MMAT checklist. Quali- and quantitative data are integrated with a graphical synthesis; a narrative approach is used to synthesize qualitative paternal
experiences.
Results: Preliminary results identified 233 studies where parent gender was noted: 36 focused on mothers, 5 on fathers, 149 on both parents. An average
of 77.4% of participants in parent studies were mothers. Few included socio-cultural explanations for whether or not fathers participated or noted their
omission as a limitation.
Conclusions: Preliminary findings highlight the significant lack of inclusion of fathers in studies about CWT1D and their caregivers and may illustrate that
the burden of care still lies heavily on mothers. Studies recognizing the benefits of fathers as caregivers seldom address the socio-cultural barriers they may
encounter. Future qualitative studies on fathers' experiences from a socio-cultural perspective could provide insight on how to increase the scope of their
role as caregivers, thus balancing the burden of care in families, preventing mothers from suffering burnout, and improving their child's clinical outcomes.