Abstract
BackgroundThe rise in pediatric obesity and its accompanying condition, type 2 diabetes (T2D), is a serious public health concern. T2D in adolescents is associated with poor health outcomes and decreased life expectancy. Effective diabetes prevention strategies for high-risk adolescents and their families are urgently needed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to co-design a diabetes prevention program for adolescents by using human-centered design methodologies.MethodsWe partnered with at-risk adolescents, parents, and professionals with expertise in diabetes prevention or those working with adolescents to conduct a series of human-centered design research sessions to co-design a diabetes prevention intervention for youth and their families. In order to do so, we needed to (1) better understand environmental factors that inhibit/promote recommended lifestyle changes to decrease T2D risk, (2) elucidate desired program characteristics, and (3) explore improved activation in diabetes prevention programs.ResultsFinancial resources, limited access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, and competing priorities pose barriers to adopting lifestyle changes. Adolescents and their parents desire interactive, hands-on learning experiences that incorporate a sense of fun, play, and community in diabetes prevention programs.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight important insights of 3 specific stakeholder groups regarding diabetes prevention and lifestyle changes. The findings of this study demonstrate that, with appropriate methods and facilitation, adolescents, parents, and professionals can be empowered to co-design diabetes prevention programs.
Highlights
Excess weight and obesity in youth continue to be a serious public health concern [1] and put youth at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) [2]
We partnered with at-risk adolescents, parents, and professionals with expertise in diabetes prevention or those working with adolescents to conduct a series of human-centered design research sessions to co-design a diabetes prevention intervention for youth and their families
Financial resources, limited access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, and competing priorities pose barriers to adopting lifestyle changes. Adolescents and their parents desire interactive, hands-on learning experiences that incorporate a sense of fun, play, and community in diabetes prevention programs
Summary
Excess weight and obesity in youth continue to be a serious public health concern [1] and put youth at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) [2]. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) increases (6.3%) in T2D compared to non-Hispanic White youth (0.6%) [3]. Early onset of T2D and poor glycemic control increase the risk of diabetes-related complications and decrease life expectancy [7]. Findings from the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes study and the Restoring Insulin Secretion Pediatric Medication Study illustrate the aggressive nature of T2D in youth and assert the urgent need for efficacious diabetes prevention strategies for at-risk youth [8,9]. The rise in pediatric obesity and its accompanying condition, type 2 diabetes (T2D), is a serious public health concern. T2D in adolescents is associated with poor health outcomes and decreased life expectancy. Effective diabetes prevention strategies for high-risk adolescents and their families are urgently needed
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