An Examination of Gender Differences in the National Diabetes Prevention Program's Lifestyle Change Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Chronic Disease Prevention

Background:

• The National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change Program (DPP LCP) is a key intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes.
• Understanding enrollment patterns is crucial for optimizing program reach and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-based differences in enrollment and session attendance within the DPP LCP.
• To identify potential disparities in program uptake between males and females.

Main Methods:

• Compared eligible populations (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) with enrolled participants (Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program).
• Analyzed enrollment data and number of sessions attended by gender.
• Stratified analysis by age and race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Significantly fewer males (39,321) than females (121,007) enrolled in the DPP LCP by 2017 (OR=3.20).
• Gender enrollment disparities persisted across age and racial/ethnic groups.
• No significant gender difference was observed in the average number of sessions attended (males: 14.0, females: 13.8).

Conclusions:

• The DPP LCP exhibits a notable gender disparity in enrollment, with males being significantly underrepresented.
• Interventions should focus on strategies to increase male participation in the DPP LCP.
• Program engagement, as measured by session attendance, appears equitable between genders once enrolled.