Abstract
Education for preventing type 2 diabetes in adolescents should be a high priority among school officials and healthcare providers. The purpose of this research study was to educate adolescents on type 2 diabetes and to increase awareness about this disease. The Health Promotion Model developed by Nola Pender was used as the theoretical framework for this study. A quasi-experimental before-after design was used. The seventh and eighth-grade students enrolled in physical education classes at a local school were recruited. Of the 57 students recruited, 47 completed the study. A diabetes education program geared towards kindergarten through eighth grade was used. The program was developed by a Girl Scout troop as a community outreach program. The students received a pretest, watched an informational session, experienced a live performance by a high school theatre group on type 2 diabetes, and completed a posttest. The main goal of this study was to address the research question, “Can theatre be used to raise awareness about Type 2 Diabetes among seventh and eighth grade students?” This awareness was demonstrated by an increase in the student’s post-test scores. The average pre-test score among the 47 participants was 78%. After the informational session and play, the average post-test scores were 84%. This was a 6% increase from baseline. Peer education and engaging activities can play a role in enhancing knowledge and awareness among adolescents.
First Page
30
Last Page
53
Recommended Citation
Curry, Margaret
(2024)
"Raising Awareness about Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents Through Theatre: A Quasi-Experimental Pretest-Posttest Study,"
Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/wctlj/vol2/iss1/7
