title: The management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the management of type 1 diabetes in Australian primary schools: kindergarten-Year 2, from the parent's perspective. The study questions were: What diabetes treatment is being delivered? Who is providing the treatment? Where is the treatment given?
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional, descriptive approach was used to collect data from parents (66) of children with type 1 diabetes attending an Australian primary school (kindergarten-Year 2). An online self-administered questionnaire was designed in Survey Monkey and was available via a dedicated Facebook page. Data were analysed using statistical analysis (SPSSv21).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Blood glucose testing was occurring for all children, with 49% of children self testing. 77% of children were receiving an insulin bolus or injection at school. 34% was provided by the child and 53% of insulin was given via pump. Teachers, parents and teacher's aides also provided insulin at school. There was a statistically significant association between the number of children receiving insulin at school and the insulin delivery device, χ(2 )= 16.75, df = 1, p ≤ 0.000). Children using insulin pump therapy were more likely (97%) to receive insulin at school than children who used injections (55%). Children who were able to self-administer insulin were more likely to receive insulin (93%) at school than children who were unable to self-administer insulin (65%) (χ(2 )= 7.38, df = 1, p = 0.007) 81% of children received diabetes treatment in the classroom, with the remainder in the school administration office.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Insulin administration across Australian primary schools was inconsistent. Not all children were receiving the recommended insulin treatment. Insulin pump therapy appears to increase access to this treatment at school.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Australia .
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crisp
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Children; paediatric; school; type 1 diabetes