ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this presentation is to review the literature on knowledge levels of school personnel about diabetes and the effectiveness of diabetes education for school personnel, and to identify future research needs. Background: Teachers report a lack of knowledge about diabetes; they feel unprepared to handle diabetic emergencies, and they want more training. Parents relate their concerns about diabetes services in schools to teachers’lack of knowledge. Methods: The English-language literature was searched using the MeSH headings “Health Education” combined with “Diabetes Mellitus.” Studies that examined the effectiveness of diabetes education in schools were included in this systematic review. Results: Three studies were identified; all were pre versus post design and reported mixed results. One reported improvement in teacher knowledge of hypoglycemic symptoms, but no improvement in the recognition of hyperglycemic symptoms. Another reported improvement in teacher knowledge of treatment, but no improvement in knowledge of the pathophysiology or management. The third study reported a decrease in the serious complication of diabetic ketoacidosis. Future research is needed to assess deficiencies in diabetes care in the school setting, to identify the most effective methods for teaching school personnel, and to examine the effectiveness of these interventions on blood sugar control, morbidity and quality of life. Conclusions: School personnel are poorly prepared to deal with children with diabetes. There are few studies that examine the effectiveness of education of school personnel and results are mixed. There is a great need for rigorous intervention research in this field.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Outline current levels of teacher knowledge of diabetes 2. Have knowledge of the extent of current literature on the effectiveness of diabetes education in the school setting 3. Identify three research gaps in the field of diabetes education of school personnel
Keywords: Diabetes, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.