The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona has the highest known prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Children as young as six years old are being diagnosed with a disease previously referred to as "adult-onset". The purpose for conducting this assessment was to survey the children regarding their basic understanding of diabetes and to develop education as indicated. Methods: Sixty-one eighth grade students from one middle-school in the Gila River Indian Community participated in this knowledge survey. The assessment consisted of five questions (3 multiple choice, 2 true/false) that were given both before and after a forty-five minute diabetes education class. This process took place as part of the students' health education class. The assessment tool was not subjected to validity testing but was aimed at assessing the rudimentary concepts pertaining to diabetes etiology, risk, prevention, and complications. Results: Forty-one children completed both the pre and post assessments (n=41). Raw score improvement was shown on all survey questions between pre and post measures. The questions missed significantly(28.41, p=<.001) more often than the others pertained to issues of high-risk and the likelihood of experiencing diabetes-related complications. Conclusion: The eighth grade students surveyed had both a basic understanding of diabetes and knowledge deficits related to specific aspects of the disease. They understood that teenagers can get diabetes, that exercise can reduce risks, and that diabetes is hallmarked by hyperglycemia. Improvement was shown on all questions following the education class, signifying that the children learned new concepts related to diabetes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, conference participants will be able to: 1. Develop or customize health education to meet Community needs. 2. Identify the knowledge assets and deficits related to type 2 diabetes in eighth-grade children living in the Gila River Indian Community.
Keywords: Diabetes, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.