Diabetes- und kardiovaskuläre Gesundheitskompetenz im Kindes- und Jugendalter – ein 12-Jahres-Follow-up

Background The incidence of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases is increasing worldwide and also in Germany. The aim of the study was to assess the health literacy regarding these diseases in childhood and adolescence. Methods Students of the 5 (th) –12 (th) grade (grammar school (“Gymnasium”), secondary school forms (“Realschule” and “Hauptschule”)) were interviewed in 2007 (n = 4383) and 2019 (n = 572) about diabetes and secondary complications. In addition, questions about other cardiovascular risk factors were asked in 2019. Results Diabetes-related questions were answered correctly by 56 % in 2007 as well as 53 % in 2019. Among others, 70 % (2007) as well as 75 % (2019) of the students stated “ate too much sugar” as a cause for type 1 diabetes. Further, questions about major risk factors for heart attack and stroke were answered correctly by only 33 % (for diabetes) and 43 %–53 % (for smoking) of students. Across all questions, a positive association indicated between the rate of correct answers and the educational level of the school institution; however, the differences remained marginal at 5–19 % between Gymnasium and Hauptschule or Realschule at both survey time points. A difference between genders was indicated in 2007 (girls: 59 % vs. boys: 52 %) and 2019 (girls: 56 % vs. boys: 51 %). Conclusion Changes in health literacy regarding diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors among 5 (th) –12 (th) grade students over the past 12 years could not be observed. The assumed self-infliction of type 1 diabetes may be perceived as discrimination by those affected.