The KiDS project is the first international tool directed to foster a safe and supportive environment and a better understanding of diabetes in schools. In this pilot evaluation, it achieved the goal of informing and changing the behavior of parents and school staff, thus improving the care provided to children with diabetes in schools.

BackgroundThe International Diabetes Federation (IDF) launched the Kids and Diabetes in School (KiDS) project in collaboration with the International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and Sanofi Diabetes to inform and teach school staff, children and parents on the management of diabetes in school. Brazil and India were chosen as pilot countries.MethodsThe evaluation was conducted using a qualitative methodology using semi-structured face to face in-depth interviews. Five out of fifteen schools were selected, where teachers and parents of children with and without diabetes were interviewed. Interviews took place one and three months after the implementation of KiDS.FindingsDiabetes knowledge among the school staff and parents of children without diabetes was very limited prior to the KiDS Project in both countries. After introducing the KiDS information pack both groups mentioned increased knowledge on the management of diabetes. This was reflected through healthier food choices at school and the encouragement of physical activities. Increased awareness and understanding in the school staff were observed by parents of children with diabetes.InterpretationThe KiDS project received positive feedback on the educational materials. The pack was deemed informative, interesting and engaging, creating increased awareness and understanding among school staff, parents and children. The project has created a demand for diabetes intervention in schools. The pack has been translated into fourteen languages and was downloaded over 17,000 times by November 2018.

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