Results of a pilot study to promote diabetes prevention among New York City Koreans using a community health worker model

Background Studies have demonstrated that Asian Americans have high rates of impaired glucose metabolism, an indication of pre-diabetes, compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Despite these disparities, there has been little research on Asian subgroups and few community-based, culturally-tailored diabetes prevention interventions developed for Korean Americans. Objective To present findings from a community health worker (CHW) pilot program designed to prevent diabetes in the New York City (NYC) Korean community. Methods In 2011-2012, 48 NYC Koreans were randomized into treatment and control groups as part of a 6-month pilot diabetes prevention intervention. The treatment group received 6 educational workshops led by trained CHWs on diabetes prevention and related topics, and 10 follow-up phone calls were conducted. Baseline and follow-up surveys were administered to capture diabetes knowledge, behavioral change, and clinical outcomes. Results Baseline and 3-month surveys were collected for 13 control and 22 intervention group participants. Preliminary analyses showed BMI and cholesterol to decrease among the treatment group and increase among the control group. All treatment group participants reported exercising in the last week at 3-months compared to 68% at baseline; no change was seen in the control group. Final analyses will use 6-month follow-up data; demographics will be reported by group, and changes in diet and health care access will be assessed. Conclusions Improvements were found in the intervention group between baseline and 3-months, suggesting that a diabetes prevention program may be effective in managing diabetes risk factors among this population. Final results will inform development of the full intervention.