Lamia A. Awad¹, Fathia Elsayed Elsayed Elghadban², Nadia Ahmed El-Adham^3,

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic conditions in childhood. The aim of the study: to testing the effect of an intervention program on improving the knowledge and self-care practices for diabetic school-age children. Design: The study was conducted using pre/post research design. Setting: study was conducted in six governmental primary and preparatory schools in Mansoura city, Dakahlia Governorate. Sample: A purposive sample of 120 diabetic children and diagnosed as having type I diabetes mellitus (DM) for at least 6 months. Tools: Four tools were used to collect the data for this study, namely a structured interview questionnaire, knowledge assessment and reported self-care practices, an observation checklist, and intervention program. Results: there are clear deficiencies in diabetic schoolchildren’s of their knowledge and the related self-care. Conclusion: after the implementation of a training program there was remarkable improving in their knowledge and practices. Recommendations: The training program should be implemented in settings providing care for diabetic children, with longer follow-up in order to assess its long-term effects.

diabetic school-age children, intervention program, knowledge, and self-care practices