Learning needs of pri̇mary school teachers on diabetes management : a qualitative study

The research is a qualitative design type and phenomenological study that aims to determine the learning needs of school administrators and teachers working in primary schools regarding diabetes management. The research was conducted with a total of 24 people, including 2 administrators and 22 teachers, working in a primary school in a district of Istanbul. Focus group interview method and semi-structured interview form were used to collect data. The data were evaluated using content analysis method. Research and publication ethics were complied with in the study. The average age of the participants was 41.46 years, 83.33% were female, and 95.83% had a bachelor's degree. The data regarding the participants' opinions on their learning needs regarding diabetes management in the study were grouped under four themes and nine subthemes. The themes are learning needs related to diabetes, emotions related to diabetes, problems related to diabetes management at school, and suggestions related to diabetes management at school. It was determined in the research that the school administrators and teachers did not see themselves sufficient regarding diabetes management at school. The topics needed to learn are; providing basic information about diabetes, providing competence in emergencies and interventions related to diabetes management, and training specific to the needs of diabetic students. The research results revealed that school administrators and teachers do not see themselves as competent in diabetes management at school and that they need to learn about diabetes management at school. It is recommended that the "National Diabetes Program at School" project be put into practice and that studies be carried out to increase awareness on this issue.