Evaluation of a Synchronous, Online Diabetes Nutrition Education Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives With Type 2 Diabetes: Facilitators and Participants’ Experiences

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the overall experiences of key players involved in a culturally adapted, online, synchronous diabetes nutrition education program across 5 reservation tribal and intertribal urban Indian clinics. MethodsA multimethods design, including postclass surveys with Likert-scale and short-answer questions, was completed after each of the 5 classes. Participants (n = 54) and class facilitators/coordinators (n = 10) completed postclass surveys (n = 189 and 58, respectively). A subset of participants (n = 24) and all class facilitators/coordinators (n = 10) engaged in online focus groups after the conclusion of program implementation. Qualitative thematic methods and frequency distributions were used to analyze the data. ResultsMost participants reported that the classes were enjoyable (94%), culturally respectful (77%), and easily accessed online (68%). Qualitative themes included (1) class satisfaction, (2) class improvements, (3) preference for class facilitator, and (4) recommendations to improve recruitment and retention. Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings will guide program modifications to provide improved diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives adults with type 2 diabetes.