Evaluation of a self-awareness education session for youth education with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract

This research sought to determine if a one-hour education session about self-awareness had any short-or long-term impact on young participants with Type 1 diabetes. The study was conducted within Hernandez' (1991) theory of integration. Twenty-nine adolescents and young adults participated in the intervention, which was operationalized through the collaborative alliance educational method. The intervention consisted of viewing a videotape on self-awareness and participating in discussion of cues of low, high, and normal blood glucose as well as the situations that cause these. Questionnaires were completed pre-education, immediately following education, and 12 months later. The number of cues identified for all levels of blood glucose was significantly increased by the intervention. Many of the body cues identified by participants were different than those typically presented in diabetes education materials and programs. Participants identified issues regarding changes in body cues over time, frequency of classic signs of hypoglycemia, and the frequency of severe lows. Findings have implications for the content, delivery method, and educational materials of diabetes education programs.