School Nurses' Diabetes-Related Attitudes and Self-efficacy in Diabetes Education and Management

J Sch Nurs. 2023 Dec;39(6):487-495. doi: 10.1177/10598405211043126. Epub 2021 Oct 7.

Abstract

This study explored relationships between school nurses' diabetes-related attitudes, self-efficacy in diabetes management and education, and care practices. One-hundred fourteen school nurses who have taken care of students with type 1 diabetes in public schools comprised this descriptive study sample. Participants completed online surveys. School nurses' diabetes-related attitudes were not related to their self-efficacy in diabetes education, but nurses' attitudes towards the psychosocial impact of diabetes were significantly related to their self-efficacy in diabetes management, and the number of students with diabetes was a significant contributor to this relationship. Nurses' full-time status and the type of school they worked in were significantly related to their self-efficacy in providing diabetes education. School nurses' positive attitudes about providing care for students with diabetes were related to having a higher level of self-efficacy in providing diabetes management. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for health consolidated schools and full-time school nurses.

Keywords: diabetes; diabetes education; diabetes management‌; school nurse; school nurse knowledge/perceptions/self-efficacy.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / therapy
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Nurses*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires