Adapting a Family-Focused Diabetes Prevention Program for a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Qualitative Report

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Gestational diabetes poses long-term health risks for mothers and offspring.
• Latinx/Hispanic women face unique socioeconomic and cultural challenges impacting health management.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve vulnerable populations, offering opportunities for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the needs and preferences of high-risk Latinx/Hispanic women with a history of gestational diabetes.
• To inform the development of a future family-based diabetes prevention program.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for program participation within an FQHC setting.

Main Methods:

• Six focus groups were conducted with 39 Latinx/Hispanic women with a history of gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
• Participants were patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Tucson, Arizona.
• Qualitative data analysis involved independent review, theme identification, and group adjudication of findings.

Main Results:

• Participants expressed concern about their family's diabetes risk and recognized the benefits of prevention programs.
• Key barriers to participation included scheduling conflicts, lack of childcare, transportation issues, and the need for family involvement.
• A strong willingness to participate was evident, contingent on program adaptability.

Conclusions:

• Interventions for diabetes prevention among low-income Latinx/Hispanic populations require tailoring to address specific needs and challenges.
• Existing prevention curricula may need adaptation to be effective.
• Family-based approaches that consider practical barriers are crucial for successful engagement.