Teaching Kitchens: An innovative program for enhancing self-management skills in adolescents living with type 1...

Adolescents living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are faced with unique challenges to nutrition management. The current Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) T1D management model includes individualised education at diagnosis and annual reviews. Currently, no group education is provided to develop self-management skills for healthy meal preparation. Teaching Kitchens offers a skills-based program in food literacy and nutrition. This feasibility study explored if a Teaching Kitchens program at PCH engaged adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years, living with T1D.

Each workshop involved a demonstration followed by hands-on cooking and a discussion (e.g. core food-groups, carbohydrate counting, food safety, mindfulness and exercise). Pre- and post-questionnaires were captured electronically from participants and their parents. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted for content analysis. Feasibility was assessed through ease of recruitment, attendance and retention.

Twenty-one participants (12F;9M) attended sessions held in October 2022 and March 2023. Content analysis identified participants response patterns of learning new culinary skills, especially vegetable and fruit preparation and how to incorporate everyday healthy eating habits. 47.4% reported enjoying making new friends and interacting positively with peers and 94.7% responded, 'yes' to recommending the program. Parent responses included their child's increased confidence and interest in cooking at home. The workshops had an 92.4% attendance and an 88.9% retention rate.

The first Teaching Kitchen in Australia for adolescents with T1D showed positive engagement and feedback. This is a feasible program that could be incorporated into routine clinical care at PCH.