Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Regulatory T cells: Therapeutic Potential for Treating Transplant Rejection and Type I Diabetes
Published on: August 20, 2007
Participant recruitment into a community-based diabetes prevention trial in India: Learnings from the Kerala Diabetes
Thirunavukkarasu Sathish1, Zahra Aziz1, Pilvikki Absetz2
1Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 235 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
Background:
Data on participant recruitment into diabetes prevention trials are limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to provide a detailed analysis of participant recruitment into a community-based diabetes prevention trial in India.
Methods:
The Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program was conducted in 60 polling areas (electoral divisions) of the Neyyatinkara taluk (subdistrict) in Trivandrum district, Kerala state. Individuals (age 30-60 years) were screened with the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) at their homes followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at community-based clinics. Individuals at high-risk of developing diabetes (IDRS score ≥60 and without diabetes on the OGTT) were recruited.
Results:
A total of 1007 participants (47.2% women) were recruited over nine months. Pilot testing, personal contact and telephone reminders from community volunteers, and gender matching of staff were effective recruitment strategies. The major recruitment challenges were: (1) during home visits, one-third of potential participants could not be contacted, as they were away for work; and (2) men participated less frequently in the OGTT screening than women (75.2% vs. 84.2%). For non-participation, lack of time (42.0%) was most commonly cited followed by 'I am already feeling healthy' (30.0%), personal reasons (24.0%) and 'no benefit to me or my family' (4.0%). An average of 17 h were spent to recruit one participant with a cost of US$23. The initial stage of screening and recruitment demanded higher time and costs.
Conclusions:
This study provides valuable information for future researchers planning to implement community-based diabetes prevention trials in India or other LMICs.
Trial Registration:
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12611000262909.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Preventive Healthcare Services
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

