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. 2022 Sep 14;19(18):11552.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811552.

Formative Qualitative Research: Design Considerations for a Self-Directed Lifestyle Intervention for Type-2 Diabetes Patients Using Human-Centered Design Principles in Benin

Halimatou Alaofè  1 , Abidemi Okechukwu  1 , Sarah Yeo  1 , Priscilla Magrath  1 , Waliou Amoussa Hounkpatin  2 , John Ehiri  1 , Cecilia Rosales  3
Affiliations

Formative Qualitative Research: Design Considerations for a Self-Directed Lifestyle Intervention for Type-2 Diabetes Patients Using Human-Centered Design Principles in Benin

Halimatou Alaofè et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Given the burgeoning prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) in Benin and other sub-Saharan countries, tailored diabetes self-management interventions are urgently needed. Human-centered designs can be useful for identifying beneficiaries' needs while keeping in mind feasibility and viability in a given context. Therefore, this study examined the acceptability and community perceptions of a self-directed lifestyle program for T2D patients in Cotonou, southern Benin. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FDGs) with T2D patients (n = 3; 32 participants), academic partners (n = 2; 16 participants), and community partners (n = 2; 12 participants). All FDG sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed from French into English verbatim, and analyzed using MAXQDA 2020. Most participants found the program to be useful and feasible. However, they preferred pictorial brochures as training materials and suggested community health workers as facilitators, assisted by clinicians or dietitians. They recommended community-based delivery mechanisms and mobile applications like WhatsApp to enhance patient adherence. Participants' characteristics, tangible health benefits, incentives, and simple curriculums were cited as critical to program feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability. This study provides a deeper understanding of potential diabetes self-management participants' needs and concerns. Moreover, it highlights the need to consider key stakeholders' needs and voices for effective intervention.

Keywords: Benin; Meta-Salud diabetes; culturally tailored interventions; human-centered design; type 2 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of findings.
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