A randomized controlled trial community health worker intervention to improve diabetes management in the New York City Bangladeshi community

Background: High rates of diabetes among Bangladeshi immigrants in the U.S. and U.K. have been documented. However, few culturally- and linguistically-tailored health interventions have been implemented in this community. Findings come from an NIH-funded community health worker (CHW) intervention designed to improve diabetes management among diabetic Bangladeshis in New York City. Purpose: To describe and present results from a diabetes management intervention translated for the Bangladeshi community. Methods: Participants were recruited from clinic-based settings and randomized to either treatment or control group. Treatment participants received 5 group educational seminars and 2 one-on-one visits from a CHW over a 6-month period. Results: Preliminary results include changes from baseline to 6-months for cohort 1. In the treatment group (n=35), recommended physical activity increased from 8% to 48% (p<.001), and food portion control increased from 74% to 94% (p<.05). Modest improvements were seen in HbA1c and cholesterol levels, though changes were not statistically significant. Sixty-eight percent reported feeling stressed none or little of the time at follow-up compared to 32% at baseline (p<0.05). In the control group (n=32), no significant changes were seen for stress, physical activity, or nutritional behaviors between baseline and follow-up. Retention rates were high; 85% of participants completed the full intervention (3% lost to follow-up). Final analysis will include two cohorts. Conclusions: Significant improvements were demonstrated in the treatment group in several areas relevant to diabetes control. Findings suggest that a CHW intervention in this group can be effective. Results from a second cohort of participants are forthcoming.