Pilot Study: Awareness and Perceptions of K-12 Educators on the Signs and Symptoms of Type-1 Diabetes
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Abstract
PURPOSE: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM or T1D) is an incurable, lifelong, chronic autoimmune disease. Insulin hormone production is non-existent in individuals with T1D because of autoimmunity, environmental, genetic, and other unknown factors. Autoimmunity of the insulin hormone causes glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream, eventually leading to hyperglycemia. It is estimated that approximately 78,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with T1D each year. It is the second most common chronic health problem in children after asthma. Diagnosis of T1D in children often occurs due to the episodic onset of signs or symptoms during the school day. K-12 educators’ awareness and knowledge can be a critical component of early recognition of the signs and symptoms of T1D. In addition, health and wellness continuing education, institution funding, and onsite nursing all play a role in the health and wellness of students in the United States. This research aims to examine the knowledge and awareness of T1D amongst K-12 educators to determine potential success and areas of improvement within the education system. METHODS: The data for this study was collected through Qualtrics survey software utilizing a mixed-methods approach. The survey included 20 questions, with the possibility of 4 additional secondary open-ended questions depending on the participant's responses, to assess the participant's depth of knowledge regarding T1D. RESULTS: 115 participants responded to the Qualtrics survey link, and 89 responded to 100% of the questions. All participant data was collected and analyzed regardless of the survey percentage completion. Of the responses collected, the states with the largest response rate were North Carolina and California, with 74% and 19% of respondents, respectively. Data collected revealed 57.3% of respondents have had a student with T1D in their class, yet only 47.9% of educators believed they could recognize basic signs of hyperglycemia. Additionally, 31.5% of respondents believed that T1D could develop from unhealthy lifestyle choices or poor eating habits, and 71.9% of respondents believed that they would not be able to identify the optimal range for daytime blood sugar levels for T1D individuals. In conclusion, there is a perceived knowledge gap for K-12 educators on basic T1D knowledge.
