Lessons learned from Picture Good Health, a Church-Based Diabetes Self-Management Intervention for Latino Adults

Background:  The church may provide a familiar and accessible setting for health interventions for Latinos. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a church-based diabetes self-management education (DSME) intervention among Latino adults.

Methods:Using a CBPR approach, we designed a church-based DSME intervention consisting of eight weekly group classes held at partnering churches, patient navigation services, and a photovoice exercise. Classes were led by lay leaders who were active in the church. We conducted a process evaluation of the program, including surveys and in-depth interviews with participants.

Results:Fifty adults with diabetes from a low-income Mexican-American urban neighborhood were enrolled in the intervention. Most participants were members of partnering churches. Study participants were highly satisfied with the intervention classes and photovoice exercise. Fifty-eight percent of participants attended at least five of eight classes. Eight percent of photos taken by participants were of religious images such as pictures at home of saints and the interior and exterior of the church. Faith was mentioned as important by 70% of the 27 participants completing follow-up interviews. Several participants talked about using faith to cope with their diabetes. More than 90% of participants noted the importance of starting the class with a prayer; however, some weekly groups chose not to start with prayer.

Conclusions: A church-based diabetes self-management intervention is feasible and acceptable among urban Mexican American adults with diabetes. Future church-based chronic disease self-management interventions should explore acceptability of church-based interventions in other Latino populations and among Latinos less connected to the church.