Survey: Youth lack facts on diabetes

The Department of Public Health disclosed on Friday the need to further educate students about the risks of diabetes after reviewing statistics compiled by a survey conducted within several public schools in the Commonwealth.

According to Public Health prevention specialist Sharon Daves, results of the Diabetes Knowledge and Personal Behavior Survey indicate that majority of the students that answered the questionnaire have many misperceptions about the disease.

“Many of the students are either misinformed or not informed,” she said. This is a community and we’re going to try to get the correct information out.”

In a statement, the DPH stressed that joint efforts from the DPH and the Public School System will focus on “real-life education and curriculum students can easily comprehend and integrate into their everyday lives.”

A total of 1,401 students from five schools participated in the survey, making up 63.67 percent of the population of participating schools. The survey was conducted in spring of this year.

The survey revealed that of the 1,401 students, 95 percent are not aware what diabetes is, with 84 percent perceiving the disease is caused by eating too much sugar and sweet foods.

The survey also indicated that 25 percent of the students consume fast food five to seven days a week, while 46 percent replied three to four days in a week.

Only 19 percent of the students indicated that they eat fruit five to seven days in a week, while 37 percent drink regular soft drinks five to seven days a week.

Forty-nine percent of the students also stated they watch television five to seven days a week for at least an hour, while only 40 percent indicate they exercise at least one hour for the same number of days in a week.

Daves also disclosed that results of another survey, known as Project 10, would be available soon.

The survey was conducted following findings that Type 2 diabetes, which is commonly found among adults, had been identified even among young people.

Earlier, Daves said that 2002 statistics showed there are 28 individuals below 20 years old who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the Northern Marianas.

Students were weighed, measured, and checked for blood sugar, blood pressure, and any sign of buildup of sugar at the back of the neck. They were also tested on their knowledge about diabetes.

PSS commissioner Rita Inos expressed her support for the need to further educate students about the disease as well as promote healthy lifestyles.

“It’s really great to have this data because it’s the basis of beginning to build in programs and to also reinforce programs that are already existing in our schools,” she said. “This information is going to add to the information that the principals and the school folks have to refine the programs that they have.”

Further, Inos said an after school snack program would be implemented this school year in hopes of supporting healthier food and nutrition intake among the students.

“A lot of times, students get hungry after school, with this program, students will be given healthy foods which is better that running off an getting foods that aren’t healthy,” she said.

Meanwhile, Inos lauded Dandan Elementary School principal Jonas Barcinas, who last school year implemented an exercise program for the entire student and teacher population at the school.

According to Barcinas, students and teachers gather every Friday mornings and take part in various exercises and dances.

“We want to eliminate illness and disease out there, and hopefully, we can reach other schools and the community as well,” he said.

Barcinas also disclosed that a weight-loss program has been implemented among teachers at the school. The program featured teachers weighing in at the start of each school year, and the teachers who have lost the most weight would be rewarded with prizes.

The school indicated that the program would continue this year, and would be expanded as well, as it will include members of the school’s Parent-Teachers Association.