The management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marks, Anne; Wilson, Valerie; Crisp, Jackie
• Is Part Of: Issues in comprehensive pediatric nursing. Volume 37:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; 618.920023105
• DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2014.932860
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-0862

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Aim</italic>: 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?</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: 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).</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: 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, χ<sup>2 </sup>= 16.75, <italic>df </italic>= 1, <italic>p </italic>≤ 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%) (χ<sup>2 </sup>= 7.38, <italic>df </italic>= 1, <italic>p </italic>= 0.007) 81% of children received diabetes treatment in the classroom, with the remainder in the school administration office.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Insulin administration across Australian primary schools was inconsistent.</p> <p>Not all children were receiving the recommended insulin treatment. Insulin pump therapy appears to increase access to this treatment at school.</p> </abstract>