Feasibility of group lifestyle intervention for diabetes prevention in Arab Americans

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based, culturally-specific, Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-adapted, group lifestyle intervention in Arab-Americans.

Overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m(2)) Arab-Americans aged ≥ 30 years and without a history of diabetes were recruited to participate in a 24-week group lifestyle intervention. The DPP core-curriculum was culturally rewritten, translated into Arabic, and delivered in weekly sessions over a 12-week period. Follow-up was performed at week-24. The primary goals were to achieve ≥ 7% weight loss and ≥ 150 min/week of physical activity. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed.

Of the 71 participants (mean age ± SD 47 ± 10 years, 38% males), 44% achieved ≥ 7% weight loss, 59% achieved ≥ 5% reduction in weight, and 78% reached the physical activity goal of ≥ 150-min/week. The mean ± SD weight loss was 5.2 ± 4.4 kg at week-24 (p<0.0001), Marked reduction in body measurements, daily energy and fat intake were noted. Retention was high with 86% completing the intervention.

This trial demonstrates that a culturally-specific, DPP-adapted, group lifestyle intervention implemented in a community setting is feasible and effective in Arab-Americans.