Views of Secondary Education Teachers in Cyprus, Regarding the Information They Receive for Pupils with Chronic Diseases in Their Classes

Abstract

In Cyprus, many pupils with chronic diseases attend public schools in regular classes, managing their disease's demands alongside their education. Teachers are responsible for both the education and management of these pupils at school. They must ensure their safety, while also providing equal learning opportunities for pupils with chronic diseases. Therefore, teachers' information about each child's condition and needs is crucial for responding effectively to the unique challenges these pupils may face at school and in the classroom. The purpose of this study is an initial investigation of the quality of the information teachers receive in this context. Our methodology is qualitative. We conducted twelve interviews with secondary education teachers in Larnaca and Famagusta, Cyprus, during 2019-2020. Data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. Our findings indicated that teachers felt the school's information regarding pupils with chronic diseases was either incomplete or, in some cases, non-existent.