Collaborating with faith-based organizations to increase knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for diabetes prevention

The Jackson State University Center of Excellence in Minority Health Diabesity Program, in collaboration with the Mississippi Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, employed the National Diabetes Education Program's Power to Prevent curriculum to increase knowledge and awareness about chronic diseases associated with obesity and to aid those at risk for diabetes and their families in making healthy lifestyle changes. The Diabesity Program, so called because of the obesity-diabetes link where the increased prevalence and incidence rates of type 2 diabetes are due largely to the global epidemic of obesity, a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. The target population was African Americans, the most at-risk population in the state of Mississippi. After an initial training on the Power to Prevent curriculum for instructors in 10 faith-based organizations, diabetes education classes were held for 12-weeks. The classes emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle for diabetes prevention. Approximately 200 persons at risk for diabetes and their families were enrolled in the Diabesity program in 10 churches in Mississippi. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors for Diabetes Prevention of obesity and diabetes were assessed. In addition, BMI, weight, and waist circumference were documented pre and post enrollment in the Diabesity program. Significant findings following the Power to Prevent curriculum included increased knowledge of diabesity, and, healthier eating habits. Collaborations with faith-based organizations can be an effective way to reach at-risk diabetes populations, and to provide them with critical information needed to increase knowledge and attitudes about diabetes prevention and lifestyle changes.