Knowledge, Practice and Associated Factors towards Hypoglycemia Prevention among Caregivers of Diabetic Children: Cross Sectional Study Design

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycemia is an acute medical condition that occurs when blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dl. It is a common and potentially life-threatening complication in children with diabetes. Caregivers play a crucial role in managing and caring for their child's diabetes. This thesis was aimed at assessing hypoglycemia prevention knowledge, practice, and factors associated among caregivers of diabetic children on follow-up at the Ayder Comprehensive specialized hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic in 2024.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2023 and April 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data, and statistical tools for social sciences software, version 25.0, was used for analysis. The dependent and independent variables were tested for relationships using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Result: Of the 162 enrolled caregivers of diabetic children, 50.6% were mothers, and 81.5% were urban dwellers. In this study, thirty (18.5%) of the caregivers had good knowledge, and sixty-eight (42%) of them had good practices towards hypoglycemia prevention. Formal training and education programs had a significant association with good knowledge (AOR = 17.9, CI: 4.6-70.2). Good hypoglycemia prevention knowledge had a significant association with hypoglycemia prevention practice (AOR = 0.32; CI: 0.13–0.76).

Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of hypoglycemia prevention among caregivers of diabetic children were found to be low. Providing formal training and education to the caregivers and counseling regarding hypoglycemia during their visit are essential for the improvement of their knowledge and practice in hypoglycemia prevention.