Community-based translation of the diabetes prevention program's lifestyle intervention in an underserved Latino population

Abstract

Purpose: The objective was to take prevention from the clinic to the community by including a high-risk group and working with the community to tailor, enhance, deliver, and evaluate a community-based version of the Diabetes Prevention Program's (DPP) clinic-based lifestyle intervention.

Methods: This was a nonrandomized prospective study using a single-group design. Study eligibility included a screening glucose value in the normal to prediabetes range with no current diagnosis of diabetes, overweight, not pregnant nor planning to become pregnant during study period, aged 18 to 65, Latino, living in the study target communities, and no reported medical restrictions related to the program goals. A total of 69 individuals participated. The Healthy Living Program (HLP) was based on the DPP's 1-year intensive lifestyle program, was tailored and enhanced for a Latino community, and was delivered by community health workers. Anthropometric and paper and pencil measures were administered to examine program outcome at 6 months and 12 months.

Results: In general, results indicate statistically significant improvements in anthropometrics and many behavioral outcomes, particularly at 6 months. Participants demonstrated forward movement through the stages of change during the program.

Conclusions: Results support the effectiveness of the intervention and show that delivery of the translated version of the DPP's lifestyle intervention in the community by community residents holds promise as one strategy to reach people at increased risk of developing diabetes. Use of this translation model, including collaboration with community health workers, offers diabetes educators an opportunity to extend their reach into underserved communities.