Faith Liao
Research Mentor(s): Cherie Conley
Mentor Department: University of Michigan
Authors:
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 78
Abstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes is a epidemic in the United States, affecting 11.3% of the population.1 Amongst these groups are African Americans, who are approximately 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic white people.2 According to existing research, previous national Diabetes Prevention programs have not been as effective for African Americans.3 Our aim is to gain in in-depth understanding of how multiple levels of social influence could facilitate or challenge participant recruitment, retention, and goal attainment for the design of the national Diabetes Prevention Program using dyadic peer support. Methods: The project PO (principal investigator) conducted 12 semi-structured interviews between September 2024 and February 2025. We then used the Socioecological Model and PRECEDE implementation science framework to guide a directed content analysis of the interviews. Results: Currently, we have analyzed 12 semi-structured interviews that were conducted by the project PI (principal investigator) between September 2024 and February 2025. Our analysis identified key barriers and facilitators at multiple levels: (Intrapersonal) stress was the most commonly cited barrier, while desire for health and wellness was the strongest facilitator. (Interpersonal) family and social support was a strong interpersonal facilitator, whereas inconsistent peer support was a major challenge. (Organizational) faith leaders were central to participant motivation, but limited institutional resources posed obstacles. (Community) financial constraints and restricted access to healthy food were major barriers, while culturally tailored interventions emerged as essential facilitators. Conclusion: By leveraging strong social bonds within faith communities (interpersonal), fostering collaboration with faith leaders (organizational), and addressing systemic barriers (community), our findings suggest that dyadic peer support interventions can enhance diabetes prevention efforts. The next step is to co-design a culturally relevant program with community members to improve engagement and goal attainment before implementation. References: 1.Ling I, Ruth Enid Zambrana, Echeverria SE, Lopez L. Peer Support to Enhance Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among African American and Latino Adults. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America. Published online June 1, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.012 Faridi Z, Shuval K, Njike VY, et al. Partners reducing effects of diabetes (PREDICT): a diabetes prevention physical activity and dietary intervention through African-American churches. Health Education Research.
