Diabetes Self-Management Support Program in Predominately Hispanic Faith Community Settings: A Pilot Study

Background: Hispanics are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D), a lifelong disease requiring on-going treatment and self-management. Continuing diabetes self-management support is crucial to prevent diabetes complications and reduce healthcare burden. Stanford Diabetes Self-Management Program (Stanford DSMP), an evidence-based program, may be adopted within faith community settings for Hispanics with a high affiliation to church.

Objectives: 1) Assess the feasibility, facilitators, barriers, and effectiveness of adopting Stanford DSMP in faith community settings for Hispanics. 2) Assess if Stanford DSMP, delivered in faith community settings, reduces participants' glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) and increases Self-Efficacy for Diabetes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: Stanford DSMP was implemented in five churches in San Antonio, Texas. A single group pre-post-test design measured program effect on improving T2D outcomes. Program feasibility, facilitators, and barriers were assessed through documentation and face-to-face interviews.

Results: Out of 96 participants, 87 attended throughout the 6-week program (91%). HbA1c level was significantly improved by a mean reduction of 0.73%. HRQOL score increased by 2.6 days per month; stretching/strengthening activity increased by 36 minutes per week; and Self-Efficacy for Diabetes significantly increased. The program was viewed as necessary for the community due to familiar environment with church acquaintances and ease of access to the program. Key barriers were lack of facilitators' competency in the Spanish language, short program length, and no ongoing support group/ reunions.

Conclusion: Stanford DSMP program implementation, adoption feasibility, and effectiveness has shown promising results in faith community settings for Hispanics.