The Effectiveness of Diabetes Awareness Education Program Among 8–10 Years-Old Primary School Children

Abstract

The diabetes awareness education program, enriched with gamification techniques, offers an innovative approach to educating and raising awareness about diabetes among primary school students. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this program for children aged 8-10 years. Conducted at a primary school in Istanbul with 223 children, the study collected data using a Sociodemographic Information Form and a Child Diabetes Knowledge Form. The education was delivered weekly for five weeks by trained nursing students. Of the children, 51.1% were girls, 43.9% were aged 9, and 53.4% were in the 4th grade. Additionally, 25.6% had a family member with diabetes, 39.5% had a relative with diabetes, and 70.4% had heard of diabetes. Comparing pre-test and post-test scores, the program significantly increased scores related to diabetes awareness, symptoms, healthy nutrition, and prevention (p <0.001).