International Journal of Health Sciences

Basic Diabetes Knowledge and Care Activities on Caregiver’s Missed Work and School Absenteeism– a Pilot Study
Nosa Obanor, Chandrika Johnson

Abstract
There is increasing prevalence of diabetes among children. Caregivers‟ skill is necessary for effective management of the disease. The purpose of this study is to understand caregivers‟ knowledge, perception and challenges in caring for children as they impact work and school absenteeism. A modified version of the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) was administered to caregivers of diabetic children who consented during “Diabetes Parents Night” (DPN) organized by the Cumberland County School (CCS) Health Advisory Council (SHAC). Twenty of 25 questionnaires were useable. Diabetes knowledge regarding symptoms identification in this group was relatively low. Adequate care for their diabetic children was moderate. Thirty five percent reported either forgetting or skipping administering drugs most or all of the time. Forty five percentreported occassionally feeding their children lots of sweets or other foods rich in carbohydrates all or some of the time. Forty percent indicated their children do not exercise enough. Forty seven percent children miss school one or more times a month. Thirty five percent reported missing work one or more times a month. This pilot study indicates that caregivers need improved knowledge and care skills to manage children‟s diabetes in order to reduce both school and work absenteeism.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v9n1a9