A study to assess the knowledge and practices on diabetic care among the caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic pediatric endocrine illnesses. Diabetes education is an integral part of the ambulatory management of T1DM. Purpose: To find out the gaps in knowledge and practices of caregivers related to management of T1DM. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, knowledge and practices of 90 caregivers of children with T1DM were assessed using pre-validated and tested structured knowledge and practice questionnaires and observation checklists. Results: There were 48 girls and the mean age of the children was 9.5±2.8 years. Majority of caregivers were mothers (72.2%) with the mean age of 36.7±2.8 years. Majority of children had either sub-optimal or poor glycaemic control (41.6% and 39.3%) with the mean HbA1C value of 8.9±1.8. Most of the caregivers had fair knowledge (64.4%) and practices (56.7%) with the mean knowledge and practice scores of 16.1±2.9 and 18.1±2.0 respectively, and demonstrated excellent technique of insulin preparation and administration. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and overall practices (r=0.106, p=0.321), knowledge and technique of insulin administration (using pen/syringe) (r=0.218, p=0.141, r=0.093, p=0.553). A significant relationship of overall practices of caregivers of children with T1DM with glycaemic control (p<0.009) and gender of caregivers (p<0.04) was observed. Conclusion: There exists gap in knowledge and practices of the caregivers related to T1DM attributing to poor or suboptimal glycaemic control in children. Implication: Diabetic nurse educator should be placed in indoor and outdoor facilities to draw the maximum output to provide quality care to children.