CONHECIMENTO SOBRE DIABETES MELLITUS DE PROFISSIONAIS DA EDUCAÇÃO

Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus among education professionals

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of diabetes mellitus of education professionals. Methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quali-quantitaive approach, carried out with professionals from a public school in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. A questionnaire with 26 descriptive and multiple choice questions was applied. This included the identification of the participant, their previous contact with students with diabetes, knowledge about the disease and the role of the school in the inclusion of students with diabetes mellitus. Relative and absolute frequency of answers to multiple-choice questions and content analysis of speeches were performed. Results: Positive results in the definition of the disease and knowledge about diet and physical exercise of diabetes were found. However, most showed difficulties in understanding the use of medication, how to identify capillary blood glucose and what action to take in the face of hypoglycemia. A small number of professionals reported having already completed training in diabetes. Conclusion: Most of the school professionals had knowledge about diabetes and recognized the role of food and physical activity in its treatment. However, they demonstrated limited knowledge about blood glucose monitoring and management of acute complications. Despite the interest, most have never undergone training in diabetes.