KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS AND DIETARY HABITS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES
Periklis Μixalakis, Εugenia Vlachou, Anna Kavga, Νikoletta Μargari
Friday, April 1, 2022
Publication year:
2022
Authors:
- Μixalakis Periklis, RN,MSc «Community and Public Health Nursing», Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
- Vlachou Εugenia, Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
- Kavga Anna, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica
- Μargari Νikoletta, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 181-191
Abstract:
Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common endocrine disorder in childhood and adolescence. Knowledge and perceptions about the disease of people with T1D is a fundamental issue for its effective management. The continuous education of both children and adolescents with T1D, as well as of their caregivers and teachers is considered necessary.Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate students' knowledge and perceptions about T1D and their eating habits. Methodology: A bibliographic search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for the period 2010-2020. Inclusion criteria of the study were primary studies, published in English. The keywords used in various combinations were: "Type 1 diabetes", "eating habits", "knowledge", "perceptions". Of the 205 resulted research articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: The results showed that children and adolescents with T1D do not have the required knowledge and skills both in origin and in disease management. Incomplete knowledge leads to poor eating behavior and an increase of hypoglycemic episodes. Also, significant psychological problems such as fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-confidence were found in children with T1D due to the disease itself. Conclusions: The main conclusion of the present study is the need for continuous training of children with T1D and their caregivers, not only for the disease but for the diet they should follow. School nurses can contribute significantly about the education.
Download PDF
