Qualitative Assessment of Experiences and Challenges Faced by Mothers of Children Using an Insulin Pump in the United Arab Emirates

Lean Abdul Fattah,1 Nour Mostafa Eldeeb,1 Alaa Farajallah,2 Pathiyil Ravi Shankar,3 Subish Palaian2 1College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 2Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 3IMU Centre for Education, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Subish Palaian, Email [email protected]: Various benefits and challenges influence insulin pump use by diabetic patients, especially children. Mothers, as the primary caregivers, can provide valuable feedback on their children’s health-related issues. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges faced by mothers of children using an insulin pump.Methods: This qualitative exploratory research involved in-depth interviews of eight mothers in the United Arab Emirates selected purposively during March 2025, whose children had type 1 diabetes and used an insulin pump up to the age of 12 years old. A validated interview guide was used.Results: The use of an insulin pump positively impacted the mothers’ and children’s quality of life. The main identified themes were mothers’ knowledge and perception of insulin pump use, the impact of insulin pump use clinically, psychologically, and socially, the challenges faced, and recommendations. All participants preferred the use of an insulin pump due to its positive properties. Yet, mothers mentioned some concerns, including sudden device malfunction, wrong placement of the cannula, financial burden and the lack of awareness of the needs of insulin pump users.Conclusion: Insulin pump therapy has significant advantages and disadvantages, but in the opinion of the mothers interviewed, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.Keywords: challenges, children, insulin pump, mothers, perspective, type 1 diabetes, United Arab Emirates