Using documentary film to educate middle school students about diabetes prevention

Introduction: One-third of the US population is projected to have diabetes by 2050. Healthful food choices, adequate physical activity and weight maintenance are proven lifestyle strategies for diabetes prevention. By middle school, students have autonomy in daily choices making it a critical time for lifestyle education. Visual and relational formats are valued by adolescents yet their effectiveness in youth diabetes education is unclear. Methods: A 40-minute documentary made by a nationally recognized film maker was shown in eight middle schools to 1,030 students. Vignettes in the film provided education on the basic physiology of diabetes and highlighted adolescents coping with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Companion booklets and lesson plans were developed and provided to health instructors. Students completed a 10-item pre- and post- survey measuring knowledge and intent to change.  A control group of 1,000 middle school students who did not view the film also completed the survey. Family night events were held at which time the film was shown to family and community members followed by a panel discussion with local public health experts and school personnel. Results: Post-survey scores were significantly higher than pre-survey scores and control group scores in select areas. Preliminary results suggest students in the intervention were able to identify terms associated with diabetes, distinguish the types of diabetes and state their intentions to consume fewer sugar-sweetened beverages and engage in additional physical activity. Discussion and Conclusion: Documentary film can increase knowledge about diabetes and reinforce preventive lifestyle habits in young adolescents.