Is it Possible to Treat Hypoglycaemia Adequately in Pupils Suffering From Type 1 Diabetes in Schools in the Tuzla Canton?

Abstract

Objective – The study was undertaken in order to assess on the basis of the opinions of high school teachers if the conditions exist in their schools to provide adequate assistance to pupils suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus in a state of hypoglycaemia. Subjects and Methods – 74 teachers from 35 different schools were surveyed by means of a cross-sectional study. According to whether the school was attended by a pupil suffering from T1DM, the teachers were divided into two groups: group 1 (schools with a pupil suffering from T1DN; n=7) and group 2 (schools without any pupils suffering from T1DM; n=47). Results – Most of the teachers knew what hypoglycaemia is, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in this regard (p=0.718). There were more negative answers in both groups (p=00.001 and p<0.001) to the question: “Does the school have written instructions on how to treat hypoglycaemia?†In the first group the question: “Can a pupil measure his/her blood sugar levels during lesson time?†received more positive replies (p=0.013), whilst in the second group the difference between the replies was not statistically significant (p=0.144). In response to the question “Does the school have drinks or food available to treat hypoglycaemia?†there were more negative answers in both groups (p<0.001 and p<0.001). To the question: “Can a child suffering from diabetes eat food or have a drink during lesson time?†there were more positive answers in both groups (p<0.001, and p<0.001). In response to the question: “Does the school have people who know how to give an injection of glucagon?†there were more negative answers in both groups (p=0.003, and p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the answers given. The main reasons for insufficient care for pupils suffering from T1DM whilst in school were seen by 40.5% of teachers as a lack of attention given to the problems of these pupils and the lack of education of teaching staff about T1DM. Conclusion – The results obtained indicate that the conditions are not met in our schools to provide appropriate assistance to children suffering from T1DM in a state of hypoglycaemia.