Perception and Attitudes of School Teachers about The Preparation of Their Schools for Dealing with Type 1 Diabetic Male Students in Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: teachers should have the knowledge regarding their school’s preparations for such complications especially if their school has students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mellitus. Aim: To assess the perception and attitudes of school teachers about the preparation of their school for dealing with type 1 diabetic students in Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was held on 425 Saudi, male teachers working at governmental schools. Cluster sample method was followed. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS program. Results: Most (80.9%) of participants knew that DM is a chronic disease. Only 34.4% knew the normal blood sugar level in children. 48.2% knew that the level of sugar in the blood is important to determine the dose of treatment to be taken. Only 3.1% of teachers reported that the school provide a nurse. 4.5% thought that the nursing room is equipped with essential supplies for emergency and life support. Also, only 4.5% reported that the school have glucagon in the first aid kit. 42.4% were willing to receive training by professionals regarding school measures with children with T1DM. 31.3% were willing to help a student with T1DM. Conclusion: There is a lack of perception and attitudes among teachers in dealing with diabetic emergency situation in schools and also there is a lack of knowledge regarding the equipment that the school has for dealing with diabetes.