Lessons Learned from a Community-Engaged Intervention to Improve Diabetes Management in the NYC Bangladeshi Community using Community Health Workers

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.   To address this need, a Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention was implemented to improve diabetic management among Bangladeshis in New York City (NYC) from 2008 - current.  Strategic partners were recruited for a community Coalition to help design and inform the implementation of the program.

Methods:  Coalition members meet quarterly to discuss progress and offer technical assistance to issues related to recruitment and retention.  To date, 202 participants have enrolled in the intervention; eligible individuals are identified through clinic-based and community-based sources.   CHWs familiar with cultural and religious norms implemented a six-month program in which participants received group education as well as individual assistance.

Findings:  Key lessons learned from project implementation will be highlighted.  Examples include the challenges of implementing group educational sessions in low-resourced community-based settings, as well as retaining participants employed in service industries.   Additionally, important gender- and faith-based norms around physical activity and mental health emerged as barriers to promoting exercise and stress management.  As a result, CHWs worked with partners to develop and produce an in-language, culturally tailored physical activity DVD

Conclusions:   Recruitment and retention of participants in community-based research projects can be challenging.  However, strategic p partnerships and thoughtful implementation using a CHW model can provide key resources and linkages to help support program uptake among the community of interest.