# Evaluating Type 1 Diabetes Resources to Improve Awareness and Knowledge of Type 1 Diabetes Within Community Sport Settings

## TL;DR

This study evaluated educational resources for sport coaches to improve their understanding and confidence in managing type 1 diabetes during sports activities.

## Contribution

The study introduces and validates new educational resources specifically tailored for community sport coaches to enhance T1D awareness and management.

## Key findings

- Coaches' quiz scores on T1D improved significantly from 67.3% to 81.8% after using the resources.
- Self-reported knowledge and confidence increased significantly by 1.6 Likert-scale points.
- Coaches found the resources trustworthy, useful, and easy to use, with suggestions for minor improvements.

## Abstract

A main challenge identified by youth during exercise and sport is the lack of knowledge and awareness around type 1 diabetes (T1D) particularly in community sport settings. Working with youth living with T1D, parents and community sport coaches, our team has developed resources for the T1D and sporting community. This study was to evaluate the acceptability and usability of the resources.

Participants completed an online evaluation survey consisting of a T1D quiz and ratings of subjective knowledge and confidence perception. The quiz on exercise and T1D management knowledge consisted of questions developed from the content of the resources and included: an understanding of T1D; signs and symptoms associated with T1D; identification and management of hypoglycaemic episodes. Participants were then provided access to the resources over a 4‐week exposure period. After 4 weeks, participants completed the same online survey. Participants were interviewed to collect qualitative information relating to the usability and acceptability of the resources, which included concepts around confidence, trust, and frequency of use.

24 coaches, mean age of 38 years, participated in the study. After the 4‐week exposure period, coaches' scores significantly better (p < 0.001) on the standardised T1D quiz from 67.3% to 81.8%. Similarly, coaches' self‐perceived ratings of knowledge and confidence increased significantly (p < 0.001) after the 4‐week period by an average of 1.6 Likert‐scale rating points across all four components. In interviews, coaches indicated high trust and perceived usefulness of the resources, and provided recommendations regarding further tailoring of information, language, and design of resources to enable wide community engagement.

The resources developed were found to be informative, trustworthy, acceptable, and easy to use. Following minor amendments, the resources will be implemented into community sport settings through a nationwide launch.

This study evaluated resources designed for community sport coaches, which aimed to increase awareness and knowledge of type 1 diabetes within community sport settings. The developed resources improved participating coaches' knowledge and confidence surrounding T1D management and exercise, and were perceived to be informative, trustworthy, acceptable, and easy to use.