Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery Journal

Background and Objectives: Regarding the important role of peers in health behaviors of adolescents suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, this study aimed to assess the effects of an educational program on the knowledge and behaviors of the peers of students with Type 1 diabetes in Shahre kord in 2012. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 64 students were randomly assigned to the experiment and control groups. Data were measured using the knowledge questionnaire (14 knowledge questions and six demographic questions) and the 8-item behavior scale at baseline and one month after the intervention. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated for the knowledge questions (0.82), and the behavior items (0.76). Data were analyzed using the t-test, and the Chi-squared test with a confidence level of 95%. Results: The mean scores of the knowledge and behavior scales did not differ significantly after the intervention in the control group. After the intervention, the mean scores of the knowledge and behavior scales were increased in the experimental group (p<0.001). There were no relationships between the educational levels of parents with the knowledge and behavior. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge and behaviors of the students (r=0.65). Conclusion: Given the positive effects of peer education, peers training programs are recommended to be implemented in schools.