Paper: Knock-out Type 2 Diabetes in Children: An Educational Intervention with 4th and 5th Grade Children (40th Biennial Convention (October 31st- November 4th, 2009))

Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 3:05 PM

Indra Hershorin, PhD, RN
Division of Nursing, Barry University, Miami Shores Miami Shores, FL

Learning Objective 1: Describe the current status of Type 2 Diabetes in children.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss how educational interventions can reduce children’s risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: With escalating rates of overweight and obesity, Type 2 Diabetes is now a pediatric condition, especially among ethnic minority groups. It is estimated that almost 30-40% of US children are at risk for being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at some point of their lives. Yet, few published studies discuss this phenomenon in children. Prevention is critical to reducing the risks and increasing incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in children. Despite their young age, children have the capacity to understand concepts related to Type 2 Diabetes, risk factors, and preventative measures to reduce risks by engaging in healthier food choices and physical activity.

Purpose: This presentation provides an overview of an educational intervention study that informed 4th and 5th graders about Type 2 Diabetes. The effect of the educational session on behavioral intention to engage in specific activities (diet and exercise) with the aim of reducing risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes was measured. The study also tested the relationships among the variables internal to the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, risk perception, self efficacy and behavioral intention and the external variable gender.

Methods: A pretest/posttest design was used to measure the effects of an educational session with 159 ethnically diverse children in the 4^th and 5^th grades from four parochial schools in South Florida.

Results: Findings concur that children have no knowledge of Type2 Diabetes. However, with education children can identify behavioral changes that will minimize their risks and express a belief that they can make these changes.

Implications: Further research must be conducted and the instruments used undergo more rigorous psychometric testing for use with ethnically diverse children. Early and age-appropriate interventions by healthcare professionals to educate children about this growing problem may reduce the development of Type 2 diabetes.

See more of: Health Promotion: Type II Diabetes
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