Strengths and challenges using community-based diabetes education models among ethnic minorities in Anchorage, Alaska

Background: Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in Alaska. Ethnic minorities are approximately 30% of the Alaskan population and have higher diabetes rates compared to Caucasians. To address this problem, the Anchorage Urban League in partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage, developed a pilot diabetes education outreach program designed to reach ethnic minorities in Anchorage. Methods: Outreach efforts to promote awareness and information about diabetes to diverse communities in Anchorage were facilitated from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Community engagement included targeted outreach at culturally specific forums/activities which culminated in an intervention style health fair integrated into school registration for parents and youth. To help guide us in future diabetes prevention and control efforts, baseline data on diabetes and risk factors were collected via self-administered survey. Results: We completed 300 hours of outreach in 2010 to African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaska Native/American Indian, Asian and Pacific Islander communities; in which over 2,000 participants were reached through interactive education models at health fairs, faith-based forums, cultural/community celebrations, and school-based settings. Based on our survey of 135 adults, more than 40% of Pacific Islanders and Alaska Native respondents have been diagnosed with diabetes compared to 25% among Caucasians. Compared to Caucasians, ethnic minorities tend to have poor diet, lack physical activity, and be overweight or obese. Conclusions: Our experience in implementing this program confirms the need for more information and resources on how to prevent and manage diabetes to be disseminated to ethnic minority communities in Anchorage, Alaska.