Results of a pilot study to promote diabetes prevention among New York City South Asian women using a community health worker model

Background: Studies have demonstrated that South Asian Americans have high rates of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, compared to non-Hispanic Whites and other ethnic groups. However, there are limited studies on Asian subgroups and few community-based, culturally-tailored interventions to promote diabetes prevention for South Asian Americans. Objective: To describe findings from a community health worker (CHW) pilot program for diabetes prevention among female Sikh South Asians in New York City (NYC). Methods: Between 2011 and 2012, 27 female Sikh South Asians were enrolled in a 6-month pilot diabetes prevention intervention in NYC. Six educational workshops led by trained CHWs on diabetes prevention and related topics and 10 follow-up phone calls were conducted. Baseline and follow-up surveys were administered to capture diabetes knowledge, behavioral changes, and clinical outcomes, and analyses were conducted using chi-square tests for categorical variables and repeated measures ANOVA for continuous variables. A focus group was also conducted with active and non-active participants to assess participant satisfaction and program evaluation. Results: Changes from baseline, 3-, and 6-months were analyzed for 16 individuals completing all surveys. Preliminary analyses showed slight reductions in weight, BMI, and glucose; greater reductions were seen in blood pressure (p<0.10). Improvements were also seen in engaging in physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy, as well as reductions in physical activity barriers (p<0.05). Nutrition-related improvements were also seen, including a reduction in soda consumption, an increase in eating fruits, and greater self-efficacy in purchasing food (p<0.05). There was also greater self-efficacy in going to the doctor alone (p<0.10). Final results and focus group findings will be presented. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that a diabetes prevention program may be effective in promoting diabetes prevention among the female Sikh South Asian population in NYC. Final results will inform development of the full intervention, which will include a comparison group.