Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) intervention in India: Participants’ perspectives

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the experience and satisfaction of teachers and parents of children with and without diabetes, with the Kids and Diabetes in School (KiDS) intervention. Project KiDS aimed to foster a safe and supportive school environment to encourage the management of type 1 diabetes and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Design: This qualitative evaluation involved semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 35 respondents, including teachers and parents of children with and without diabetes attending the selected schools at 1 and 3 months post-intervention implementation. In total, n = 5 schools (3 government and 2 private) were selected out of 15 schools in which the KiDS project was implemented. Methods: In total, 65 interviews were conducted in two rounds. The sample comprised teachers ( n = 20 in round 1; n = 18 in round 2), parents of children with diabetes ( n = 3 in both the rounds) and parents of children without diabetes ( n = 15 in round 1; n = 6 in round 2) attending five schools. Data were analysed using the thematic framework method. Results: Teachers reported gaining new knowledge as a result of the KiDS intervention. They felt more confident in assisting children with diabetes. Suggestions to strengthen the KiDS resource pack were the inclusion of case studies and audio-visual aids. Parents of children with diabetes reported that the project reinforced information and improved diabetes management skills. Their suggestions for strengthening KiDS materials included the provision of additional technical information. The parents of children without diabetes reported that the resource pack aided a better understanding of diabetes and clarified myths and misconceptions. Suggestions for strengthening the pack included the regular reinforcement of information on diabetes among children. Conclusion: Findings support the upscaling of KiDS work elsewhere in India through the engagement of multiple stakeholders to promote the management and prevention of diabetes in school.