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The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a Promotora-Led Diabetes Prevention Program (PL-DPP)
Matthew J O'Brien1,2,3,4, Alberly Perez3,4, Victor A Alos3,5,4
1Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (Dr O'Brien, Dr Ackermann)
Purpose:
The purpose of this pilot study is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a Promotora-Led Diabetes Prevention Program (PL-DPP) in Hispanic women (Latinas).
Methods:
Twenty Latina adults with prediabetes were enrolled in this single-arm pilot trial of PL-DPP. Participants underwent a year-long lifestyle intervention consisting of 24 sessions divided into 14 weekly core sessions and 10 post-core sessions offered either biweekly or monthly. Each session was led by a promotora in Spanish. The primary outcome was weight change over the 12-month study period.
Results:
The study participants were socioeconomically challenged, middle-aged Latinas with limited access to health care. Eighteen participants (90%) completed at least 12 sessions, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Overall, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with PL-DPP. At 12 months, the participants achieved a mean weight loss of 10.8 pounds, which corresponded to 5.6% of initial body weight. Significant pre-post reductions in waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and insulin levels were also observed. Modest reductions in A1C and fasting plasma glucose were not significant.
Conclusions:
The PL-DPP demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in a high-risk population of Latinas. Future research examining this intervention in a randomized clinical trial should explore factors impacting its effects using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
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