ERIC Number: EJ1184383
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
School Professionals' Knowledge and Beliefs about Youth with Chronic Illness
Berger, Carolyn; Valenzuela, Jessica; Tsikis, Joanna; Fletcher, Cynthia
Journal of School Health, v88 n8 p615-623 Aug 2018
Background: Existing research demonstrates that youth with chronic illness often experience challenges including poor academic performance, attendance, and social success. However, past research demonstrates a lack of support for teachers to best educate students with chronic illness. In this study, we aim to describe the needs of local educators when working with students with chronic illness. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 383 middle or high school professionals. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ANOVA was used to examine differences between school professional groups and chronic illness types. Results: Participants tended to disagree that students with chronic illness faced challenges in school and agreed that they had enough support to meet students' needs. They tended to agree that more collaboration between the health care team, schools, and families was needed. Participants reported feeling least prepared in working with students who had cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, or sickle cell disease. School nurses were more likely to recognize the challenges, supports, and collaboration needed. Conclusions: More training and support is needed for school professionals in their work with students with chronic illness. Assessments may be useful at a local level to help schools develop better policies and plans for educating youth with chronic illness.
Descriptors: School Nurses, Allied Health Personnel, Middle School Teachers, Knowledge Level, Middle School Students, Chronic Illness, Training, Professional Personnel, Questionnaires
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A