SUMMER CAMPS FOR DIABETIC CHILDREN - AN EXPERIENCE IN CAMPANIA, ITALY

To evaluate the effectiveness of summer camps with objective parameter s, the authors examined data relative to nine summer camps organized b y the Young Diabetics Association in Campania, Italy. The mean duratio n of camps was 10 days (range, 8-15) and a total of 256 diabetic child ren with an average age of 10 (range 8-16) participated in them. The m edical personnel consisted of three pediatric endocrinologists, one ps ychologist, two male nurses and two parents who were directors of the Association. A significant improvement in knowledge and self-managemen t of the disease was noted at the end of the camps. A beneficial effec t on mean HbAlc level was also observed in the diabetic children who a ttended the monthly meetings and follow-up checks with their parents a fter the camp. On the other hand, a worsening of these values was, not ed in diabetic children who did not participate in them. No increased incidence of hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis was found during or after c amps, in contrast with previous studies. From a psychological viewpoin t, the results suggest that summer camps have an important bearing on achieving acceptance of the disease. Sharing personal experiences with actively involved parents who participated in self-management trainin g together with their children; has favourably influenced the results of this experience in Campania.