Conference Resources | Abstracts
September 3
rd
– 6
th
, 2014 | Toronto, Canada |
234
P144
Each one teach one: training students for pediatric diabetes and nutrition peer education in
schools
T.N. Riley
1,2
, L. Melbourne-Bailey
1
, P. Steele-Davis
1
, R. Barclay
1
1
North East Regional Health Authority, St. Mary Health Department, Nutrition Unit, St. Mary, Jamaica,
2
Jamaica Association of Professionals in Dietetics and Nutrition, Nutrition, Kingston, Jamaica
Objective:
To provide a Diabetes in-school support system; to enable peer education in a general
setting without discrimination.
Background:
A 2007 result revealed approximately 300,000 people ages 15-74 living with Diabetes in
Jamaica, a 2009 research showed about 10,000 children with about 1,300 receiving care in public
health facilities.
Methods:
Over 200 student leaders such as monitors and Peer educators ages 10-14 were chosen
from 18 schools. We used the Novo Nordisk “Changing Diabetes in Children” presentations given at
the 2013 ISPAD conference to teach about DM and Nutrition, to enable peer education on DM; as well
as writing essays. 162 questionnaires were given initially to assess the students' knowledge of Type 1
DM.
Results:
22 (13.5%) of the (n=162) said in T1DM the body makes insulin but more insulin is needed,
while 67 (41.4%) said the body does not make insulin and the treatment is pills and plenty water only.
33 (20.4%) said Diabetes affects only old people, 126 (77.8%) said all children can get DM. 157
(96.9%) said eating a variety of Vegetables, Legumes and some Fruits are important in DM
management. 11 (6.8%) and 9 (5.6%) respectively, said if their friend had Diabetes they should not
play or talk with them anymore and 142 (87.7%) said they should show love and support. 147 (90.7%)
said if they learnt about Diabetes, everyone should learn too, 15 (9.3%) said they should keep it to
themselves, share with family or “their secret keepers” only. 96 (59.3%) said children with DM can take
part in all activities and 23 (14.2%) said if they have DM they cannot go to school. Amongst the class
teachers 6 questionnaires were given, 4 (66.7%) said in Type 1 DM the body makes insulin however,
more insulin is needed.
The
answers include; 1. a) Your body makes insulin but, you still need to take more insulin c) Your
body does not make insulin and you need to take insulin by injection. d) Your body does not make
insulin and you need to take pills and drink lots of water. 2. a) Old people d) All children 3. c) Lots of
Vegetables, Peas and Beans and some fruits d) Lots of Dumpling, Irish Potato and Meat 4. a)
Should not play with him/her. b) Should play with him/her and show love and support. d) Should not
talk to them anymore. 5. a) Only My family. c) Everyone, so they can learn too. 6. a) Cannot take
part in any activities at school. b) Can take part in most activities. c) Can take part in all activities. d)
Cannot come to school
[Answers to Questionnaire]
[Pediatric Diabetes Questionnaire Results]
Conclusion:
In-school DM and Nutrition education is necessary for understanding of the illness, and
to facilitate students with DM. Importantly good teaching aids are needed and the “Changing Diabetes
in Children” tools are indeed beneficial.
