Knowledge, attitudes and practices of school teachers regarding acute complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most frequent chronic disorders of childhood. Teachers' awareness regarding diabetes and its complications, besides emergency care of their diabetic children, can save their lives. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of school teachers regarding T1DM and its acute complications. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the schools of Abha city. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed to all participants. Data collected covered teachers' socio-demographic data, work related data including work years and educational level. Teachers' awareness, practice and attitude twowardsT1DM were included in the questionnaire. Results: The present study included 499 teachers. With regards to teachers' awareness regarding T12DM among students, 91.2% of the teachers mentioned that T1DM leads to polyuria in diabetic students, 89.6% reported that DM leads to polydipsia, and 77.6% said that tremors and sweating means hypoglycaemia in a diabetic student. The study showed that 63.5% of the teachers had good general awareness level regarding T1DIVI. As for their awareness regarding consequences, 90.4% of the teachers reported that in case of hypoglycaemia, the diabetic student should take sweet juice. About 95% of the teachers reported that they support T1DM students in their classes and 47.1% mentioned that their schools appointed someone to look after T1DM children. Conclusions & recommendations: The present study documented a good level of knowledge, practice and positive attitude of school teachers towards T1DM students. It is suggested to increase the role of schools by establishing educational and training programs for teachers, especially teachers who showed their willingness to join such programs. More trained personnel should be present in schools to deal with T1DM students.