P-75: “InfoCat”: development and validation of an infographic on hypoglycemia management in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
V C Sparapani, E K Natividade, L M Rosa, M Silva Marroni, J C Anders, N Souza SantosAbstract
Introduction
Hypoglycemia is a frequent complication in children and adolescents with diabetes, arising from physiological and treatment-related factors. When recurrent or severe, it may lead to acute and chronic complications, impairing healthy development. Adequate management prevents severe hypoglycemia and subsequent hyperglycemia, but requires sufficient knowledge among patients and families. Thus, infographics support diabetes education by translating complex clinical content into visually accessible information.
Objectives
To develop and validate an infographic to educate patients and caregivers on hypoglycemia management in children and adolescents with diabetes.
Methods
Methodological study following Miranda & Andrade’s seven-stage framework. Diabetes experts completed validated questionnaires assessing infographic content (18 items) and appearance (12 items). Agreement was measured by Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Research Ethics Committee approved the study.
Results
The infographic features a cat mascot and includes a treatment flowchart, carbohydrates types and amounts for correction, and hypoglycemia levels with signs and symptoms. Content and appearance validation by experts (N=14) from different Brazilian regions (CVR critical value=.571) demonstrated high CVR for objectives (.771), structure/presentation (.629), relevance (.910) and appearance (.726). Based on expert feedback, the language was simplified and a graphic designer created revised illustrations. A second round, experts (N=13; CVR critical value=.538) confirmed high CVR for objectives (.754), structure/presentation (0.662), relevance (.744), and appearance (CVR=.679).
Conclusions
Methodological rigor and iterative expert feedback guided the development of “InfoCat”, an accessible and visually engaging infographic. Printed and digital versions have been integrated into education sessions and approved by mothers and school teachers as an effective resource for adequate hypoglycemia management.