[The influence of the psycho-biological factors on the level of knowledge and skills concerning the diabetes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus]. / Wplyw czynników biologiczno-psychologicznych na poziom wiedzy i umiejetnosci w zakresie samokontroli cukrzycy u dzieci i mlodziezy z cukrzyca typu 1.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the psycho-biological factors on the level of knowledge and skills concerning the diabetes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The study was performed in 100 patients aged 12-18 years with diabetes duration 1-13 years. Diabetes knowledge was assessed by using a 29 item diabetes knowledge test. Then practical abilities concerning self-control were estimated. The analysis of psycho-biological qualities of patients included age, sex, duration of the disease, age at onset of diabetes, education, intellectual abilities level (Raven's Standard Matrix Test) and general condition of the patient (HbA1c, occurrence of severe hypoglycaemia, co-occurrence of other chronic diseases). The best results of written and practical tests were obtained by patients at the age of 15 or more. The lowest evaluation of knowledge and practical ability was obtained by children at the age of 12-13. Practical ability level was statistically significantly higher in patients suffering for 1-2 years than in the remaining of the examined persons. Children who fell ill at the age of 0.5-6 years presented a statistically significantly lower level of knowledge in their self-control than patients who fell ill after 11 years of age. Theoretical and practical training degree in diabetes self-control showed a positive correlation with the education level of the subjects. A positive correlation between the test results and intellectual abilities of the subjects was observed within the examined group. The level of patients' health education positively correlates with their age, formal education and intelligence. Health education of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus should be individualised and adapted to their particular qualities.