Online Program

325939
Evaluation of a Randomized Control-Trial Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Diabetes Management in the New York City Bangladeshi Community


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Lindsey Riley, MPH, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Nadia Islam, PhD, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Gulnahar Alam, Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Mamnunul Haq, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
MD Taher, MPH, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Laura Wyatt, MPH, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Michael Tanner, MD, Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, DREAM Project Coalition, New York, NY
Purnima Naik, MD, NYU School of Medicine, Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, DREAM Project Coalition, New York, NY
Shahnaz Yousuf, NYU School of Medicine, Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, DREAM Project Coalition, New York, NY
Chau Trinh-Shevrin, DPH, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Runi Mukherji-Ratnam, PhD, NYU School of Medicine, Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, DREAM Project Coalition, New York, NY
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 are reported from a CDC- & NIH-funded Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention designed to improve diabetic management among Bangladeshis in New York City (NYC). 

Methods:  Participants were recruited from clinic-based settings and randomized to 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.  Control participants received an introductory seminar only.

Results:  Preliminary results include changes from baseline to 6-months for four cohorts.  In the treatment group (n=85), recommended physical activity levels increased from 19% to 57% (p<.001), and self-reported knowledge of A1c increased from 13% to 68% (p<.001).  Additionally, significant reductions in mean weight, BMI, and systolic blood pressure were demonstrated (p<0.05).  In the control group (n=74), no significant changes were demonstrated in the areas of physical activity, nutritional behaviors, or clinical measures between baseline and follow-up.  Retention rates were high; 70% of participants completed the full intervention (8% lost to follow-up).  Final analysis will include quantitative data on five cohorts; qualitative findings will be presented to illuminate specific mechanisms through which CHWs operate to impact behavior change.

Conclusions:   Significant improvements were demonstrated in the treatment group in several areas relevant to diabetes control. Findings suggest that a CHW intervention in this community can be effective.   Results from an additional study cohort, as well as qualitative findings are forthcoming.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Diversity and culture
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate findings from a CHW intervention adapted for use in the Bangladeshi community; Describe how to implement a CHW intervention designed to improve diabetic control and management

Keyword(s): Community Health Workers and Promoters, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a Senior Research Coordinator involved with the implementation of this program for the last 4+ years. Additionally, I have an extensive background in public health research program planning and evaluation, as well as clinical trial design.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.