Translation of the National Institutes of Health Diabetes Prevention Program in African American Churches

Abstract

ObjectiveTo translate the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for delivery in African American churches. MethodsTwo churches participated in a 6-week church-based DPP and 3 churches participated in a 16-week church-based DPP, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcomes were changes in fasting glucose and weight. ResultsThere were a total of 37 participants; 17 participated in the 6-session program and 20 participated in the 16-ses-sion program. Overall, the fasting glucose decreased from 108.1 to 101.7mg/dL post intervention (p =.037), and this reduction persisted at the 12-month follow-up without any planned maintenance following the intervention. Weight decreased 1.7kg post intervention with 0.9kg regained at 12 months. Body mass index (BMI) decreased from 33.2 to 32.6kg/m2 post intervention with a final mean BMI of 32.9kg/m2 at the 12-month check (P <.05). Both the 6- and 16-session programs demonstrated similar reductions in glucose and weight; however, the material costs of implementing the modified 6-session DPP were $934.27 compared to $1075.09 for the modified 16-session DPP. ConclusionTranslation of DPP can be achieved in at-risk African Americans if research teams build successful community-based relationships with members of African American churches. The 6-session modified DPP was associated with decreased fasting glucose and weight similar to the 16-session program, with lowered material costs for implementation. Further trials are needed to test the costs and effectiveness of church-based DPPs across different at-risk populations.