Special needs of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school: perceptions from parents, children, and teachers

Abstract

Special needs of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school: perceptions from parents, children, and teachers. Pediatric Diabetes 2009: 10: 67-73.Objective: To identify the special needs of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school taking into account the perceptions reported by parents, children, and teachers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey carried out at nine public hospitals with a cohort of 6-to 13-yr-old children. Parents were personally informed about the objectives of the survey and the necessity to involve their children and the teachers. The self-reporting questionnaire included demographic information as well as some questions that helped to evaluate the general situation of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school, main worries about the disease, and possible improvement measures. Results: A total of 430 questionnaires were completed and validated of which 39% were filled in by parents, 35% by children, and 26% by teachers. The majority of children were 10-13 yr old and came from public schools. At school, most children required glucose monitoring, but few of them (9-12%) needed insulin administration. Some parents (7%) experienced problems at their schools when they informed them about their children's disease, 2% were finally not accepted, and 1% were forced to change school. Major children's concerns included the ability to recognize hypoglycemia or to self-administer insulin. Parents, teachers, and children demanded better information at school about diabetes and about emergency management. Conclusions: The three population groups agreed about the necessity of having more available information on diabetes at schools. Although some discriminatory behavior was still occurring, it seemed it has been diminishing in recent years.

Experiences of Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in School: Survey of Children, Parents, and Schools

“…4,6,14,16,17 Previous studies have documented problems commonly experienced by children and adolescents with diabetes and their parents with regard to restroom privileges, performing SMBG, eating snacks, or administering insulin when needed. 4,14,15 Children are often asked to leave the classroom to do these self-care functions or to go to the school nurse's office, which can be a long distance from the classroom. In many schools, only nurses are permitted to help children with SMBG, insulin injections, insulin pump boluses, and glucagon administration.…”

“…Some schools are unaware of the federal laws applicable to children with type 1 diabetes, and some schools still do not have individualized care plans for children and adolescents with type 1 diabe-tes. 4,14,15 Interestingly, many children with diabetes and their parents feel that dealing with diabetes in school is among the worst experiences they have faced while growing up. 4,6,14,16,17 Previous studies have documented problems commonly experienced by children and adolescents with diabetes and their parents with regard to restroom privileges, performing SMBG, eating snacks, or administering insulin when needed.…”

“…4,14,15 Interestingly, many children with diabetes and their parents feel that dealing with diabetes in school is among the worst experiences they have faced while growing up. 4,6,14,16,17 Previous studies have documented problems commonly experienced by children and adolescents with diabetes and their parents with regard to restroom privileges, performing SMBG, eating snacks, or administering insulin when needed. 4,14,15 Children are often asked to leave the classroom to do these self-care functions or to go to the school nurse's office, which can be a long distance from the classroom.…”

Care demands of children with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

“…7 The testimonies of family members were also composed of negative and positive experiences regarding the school environment: Corroborating with the results, other studies with children with diabetes have shown that they have had countless negative experiences at school, either by the lack of private space for insulin administration or collection of tests or the lack of knowledge of teachers and colleagues about their condition. 15,17,18 On the other hand, when the school is prepared to receive the student with diabetes and acts in communion with the parents, there is a greater adaptability of the child, who feels welcome and is able to follow the normal activities.…”

To be or Not to be; the Choice will Always be ours, Percussions of Chronic Physical Illnesses on Pediatric Mental Health

“…Such obligation is not uncommonly associated with phobia of inserting the needle into the skin or fears of over dosage and hypoglycemia [23].quality of life than the diabetic children [24] with significantly prevalent anxiety disorders [25].…”