Partners Reducing Effects of Diabetes: Initiatives through Collaboration and Teamwork

Purpose: To test the feasibility of using the community health advisor model, in a faith based setting, to translate the findings of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to an urban African American community.

Significance: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) epidemic in the U.S. and the 7th leading cause of death in Connecticut. The Yale Prevention Research Center received funding to pilot test a diabetes prevention program among African-American communities in New Haven and Bridgeport, CT.

Methods: Community participatory teams, consisting of academic, church and community partners were convened at both sites to oversee and guide program design and implementation. An abbreviated and culturally appropriate version of the DPP training manual was developed for the program. Twenty one CHAs, nominated by their pastors, participated in a 10 week, DPP based, training program focusing on diabetes prevention.

A convenience sample of 250 African American adults (125 in New Haven and 125 in Bridgeport) from 22 participating churches was recruited to participate in the study. The intervention consisted of didactic and skill building sessions to improve dietary practices and increase physical activity levels. The sessions were conducted by the CHAs over a 9 month period.

Results: There was a significant reduction in total caloric, total carbohydrate and total trans-fat intake in the intervention group. Diabetes related knowledge and social support also improved in the intervention group.

Conclusions: The DPP can be translated and implemented in an urban, African American, high risk population by using community based participatory research methods.