New York State YMCA diabetes prevention program: Processes and outcomes for dissemination of an evidenced based program

The New York State (NYS) YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (Y-DPP) was a public –private partnership between the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Alliance of NYS YMCAs, and the NYS Health Foundation to address prediabetes. The evidence-based Y-DPP curriculum was utilized in group programs facilitated by trained lifestyle coaches at 10 YMCAs across geographically diverse areas of NYS. Program goals were 5-7% weight loss and increased physical activity, which have been associated with a reduction in diabetes risk among individuals with prediabetes. This model has been shown to be effective; however, reports linking outcomes to implementation and replication are lacking. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted between 2010 and 2012. Participants completed surveys at baseline, program completion, and six months after completion. Data were also gathered from weekly weight trackers, participant focus groups, and YMCA staff surveys and interviews. The evaluation included 26 sessions. Participants (N=254) lost a mean of 11 pounds (p<.05) by program completion (16-weeks), and 45% achieved the goal of 5% body weight loss. Six months after program completion, 72% reported that their health had improved from baseline. Qualitative findings were consistent, with participants reporting improvements in physical and mental wellbeing. Factors contributing to successful implementation included YMCA organizational capacity, state-level coordination and technical assistance, and initial foundation funding. Outcomes demonstrate that public-private partnerships and the existing capacity of community-based settings can facilitate the implementation of evidence-based diabetes prevention programs, which have the potential to prevent type 2 diabetes in diverse communities.