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Challenges associated with treating children with diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Alotaibi1, Lamia Alibrahim2, Nouf Alharbi3
1Faculty of Computers and Information Technology, Tabuk University, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in Saudi Arabia face challenges due to limited awareness and self-management skills. Enhanced support in schools and from the health ministry is crucial for their well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Health Policy
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children in Saudi Arabia necessitates further research.
- Limited understanding of T1DM management strategies and policies for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and identify the challenges faced by children with T1DM in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to child participants and their parents.
- Multiple-choice questions assessed participants' views on T1DM management.
Main Results:
- Deficiencies in health ministry initiatives for T1DM awareness and healthcare infrastructure.
- Limited role of schools in providing additional care for T1DM children.
- Children lack T1DM self-management knowledge, feel embarrassed, and are dependent on parents.
Conclusions:
- While parental care is present, the necessity for self-management techniques is critical.
- Children require enhanced support and education, especially during school hours, to manage T1DM effectively.
Background:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients among the children have been increasing rapidly in the recent years in Saudi Arabia, as a result there is a need for extensive research in this area. Various suggestions were kept forward including m-health technologies, telemedicine etc. However, very little research has been conducted in understanding the T1DM among the children, measures being taken to control, and the feasible policies and procedures that could be adopted for managing T1DM among child population.
Objective:
The primary aim of this study is to investigate and identify the challenges being faced in T1DM among the children in Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A questionnaire based survey is conducted with the child participants including the parents of the children with T1DM. The questionnaire has a multiple choice answers which need to be selected according to the participants views.
Results:
Lack of initiatives taken by the health ministry in creating awareness about T1DM and its complications, and also in providing the effective infrastructure in healthcare centres; the role of schools in providing additional care for the children with T1DM is limited; the children are completely unaware of the T1DM self-management techniques, and feel nervous and embarrassed about the disease management process; and they are completely dependent on their parents for managing the disease.
Conclusion:
Though there are few aspects where the care is delivered through parents, the need for self-management techniques is necessary and highlighted as the children spend most of their time in schools away from the parents.
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