Exploring Teachers’ Attitudes toward the Management of Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the attitudes of teachers toward type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its management. Teachers working in kindergartens and schools (N = 30) participated in audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews (three focus groups and 20 individual interviews) that were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. We used the theory of the three components of attitude as a framework for the analysis. The three components of attitude emerged during the analysis: knowledge, positive and negative emotions, approaches, and opinions toward diabetes and its management and behavior. The main theme of knowledge included knowledge about diabetes in general and its management. Besides medical treatment, alternative treatment possibilities were mentioned by the participants. The affective component revealed empathy, integrating, and segregating approaches toward children living with diabetes. The behavior component revealed how teachers contribute to the care and integration of children with diabetes in schools. They support children with diabetes by the virtue of their profession. For example, they teach them health awareness and support their integration through peer education and sensitization. The findings indicated that, in addition to diabetes management tasks, teachers could help children with T1D by tutoring them and their peers about health awareness and T1D acceptance.