Implementation of a Diabetes Prevention Program in Public Housing Communities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the process of implementing a diabetes prevention program provided by homecare nurses to residents of public housing communities. A cluster randomization pilot study was conducted comparing enhanced standard care (2 interactive classes on diabetes prevention) to a diabetes prevention program (7 interactive classes and behavioral support). The sample (n = 67) was primarily female (79%), nonwhite (76%), unpartnered (83%), with a mean age of 40 years, and an average of 3 children. Mixed methods were used to evaluate the implementation process. Data were collected on attendance, attrition, and protocol implementation. Interviews were conducted with nurses and community health workers who assisted with program implementation. Homecare nurses were able to implement a diabetes prevention program in public housing communities, with a protocol implementation of 83% across classes and groups. Attendance was suboptimal with 60% for the enhanced standard care group and 54% for the diabetes prevention group. Nurses and community health workers were resourceful and positive about program implementation. Linking existing resources, such as a homecare agency with a public housing community, is one approach to disseminate diabetes prevention programs.