The management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools

Anne Marks, Valerie Wilson, Jackie Crisp

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools: kindergarten-Year 2, from the parent’s perspective. The study questions were: What diabetes treatment is being delivered? Who is providing the treatment? Where is the treatment given? Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive approach was used to collect data from parents (66) of children with type 1 diabetes attending an Australian primary school (kindergarten-Year 2). An online self-administered questionnaire was designed in Survey Monkey and was available via a dedicated Facebook page. Data were analysed using statistical analysis (SPSSv21). Results: Blood glucose testing was occurring for all children, with 49% of children self testing. 77% of children were receiving an insulin bolus or injection at school. 34% was provided by the child and 53% of insulin was given via pump. Teachers, parents and teacher’s aides also provided insulin at school. There was a statistically significant association between the number of children receiving insulin at school and the insulin delivery device, χ2 = 16.75, df = 1, p ≤ 0.000). Children using insulin pump therapy were more likely (97%) to receive insulin at school than children who used injections (55%). Children who were able to self-administer insulin were more likely to receive insulin (93%) at school than children who were unable to self-administer insulin (65%) (χ2 = 7.38, df = 1, p = 0.007) 81% of children received diabetes treatment in the classroom, with the remainder in the school administration office. Conclusion: Insulin administration across Australian primary schools was inconsistent.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)168-182
    Number of pages15
    JournalIssues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing
    Volume37
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • Australia
    • diabetes
    • school children
    • treatment

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