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Employee perceptions of diabetes education needs: a focus group study
Felecia Wood1, Sharol Jacobson
1Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
Summary
Employees desire workplace diabetes education focusing on diet, activity, and obesity, but prefer free programs. This information will guide the development of a university wellness initiative to manage rising diabetes costs.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Health Education
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Rising diabetes costs in the workplace necessitate proactive health interventions.
- Employee wellness programs are crucial for managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
- Occupational health nurses play a key role in bridging employee needs and employer costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess employee perceptions of desired diabetes education topics.
- To inform the planning of a worksite diabetes prevention and self-management intervention.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive, non-experimental research design.
- Utilized three focus groups with thirteen university employees.
- Gathered qualitative data on educational needs and preferences.
Main Results:
- Employees expressed interest in topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, evaluating diabetes products, and childhood obesity.
- Participants were willing to attend diabetes education sessions but not to pay for them.
- Identified standard and emerging educational topics relevant to diabetes self-management.
Conclusions:
- Worksite diabetes education programs are needed and desired by employees.
- Interventions should focus on practical, accessible information and be offered free of charge.
- University wellness programs can effectively address employee health needs and reduce healthcare costs associated with diabetes.