Using social media to reach Chinese and South Asian communities in British Columbia: the story of a peer-led diabetes prevention programme on Facebook

Abstract

Minority populations can face cultural and accessibility barriers when seeking education and support for diabetes self–management. While culturally adapted education programmes have been studied, it has not been combined with the benefit of peer–support and the accessibility of social media. This project aimed to create and assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of a peer–led, culturally relevant diabetes prevention programme to be delivered over a popular social networking platform, Facebook, using mixed methods. Six participants of Chinese and South Asian ethnicities completed the 12–week programme led by a peer leader for each group. Interviews and scales were conducted before, during, and after the programme. Results indicated that the delivery of health information over Facebook is feasible and acceptable for those who are comfortable with social media. The peer leaders were engaged and the ability to view discussions was useful, though a larger group would have led to more robust discussions.