The Impact of a Self-Management Program Based on the 5 A’s Model on Type 1 Diabetes in School-Aged Children

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels that eventually results in catastrophic damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The available data from previous studies on the application of the 5 A’s model-based self-management program to increase knowledge and self-care practices in children are insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a self-management program based on the 5 A’s paradigm on school-aged children with type 1 diabetes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The research design was quasi-experimental. The investigation was conducted at EL Mogamma EL Teby AL Shamal diabetes facility. This study enrolled a convenience sample of 90 children who were accompanied by their moms. Five tools were utilized to collect the data: questionnaire for children’s examination; questionnaire for diabetic knowledge; a questionnaire on diabetes self-care; Diabetic Attitude Scale; and self-care practices for diabetics. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 72.2%, 90.0%, 91.1%, 93.3%, and 96.7% of youngsters, respectively, lacked knowledge, engaged in ineffective self-care activities, had a negative attitude, and practiced incompetently. Differences between pre- and post-program implementation are statistically significant when a self-management program based on the 5 A’s model is implemented. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusions:</i></b> Self-management and self-care models, particularly the 5 A model, are helpful at improving the control of these symptoms, reducing associated problems, enhancing nursing care, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Increasing the duration of a self-management program based on the 5 A’s model for children with type 1 diabetes reduces negative attitudes and improves quality of life but requires follow-up.