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

AIM: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.