Diabetics in School: Knowledge and Attitudes of School Staff in Relation to Juvenile Diabetics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the schools satisfy the special requirements of diabetic pupils. Both school staff and parents were of the opinion that diabetic pupils need special consideration at school. However, the results reveal an inadequate knowledge of the basic facts about diabetes and its treatment—a situation which could have dangerous consequences for the child and complicate its schooling in a number of ways. The treatment of juvenile diabetes may also become difficult to manage. Most school staff seemed to lack any source of information about diabetes. The contact between parents and school was not always sufficient and information from the hospital was seldom adequate. At present the school cannot be expected to participate in the treatment of diabetes in the way that could be desired. Improved information of school staff on the subject is recommended, as well as early and repeated contacts between hospital and school. These conclusions are drawn from an investigation in which 308 school staff members and the parents of 61 diabetic pupils answered questionnaires.