Disseminating Community-Engaged Research Involving People Experiencing Homelessness and Diabetes Using Participatory...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Arts in Medicine

Background:

• Homelessness significantly complicates chronic disease management, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
• Arts-based interventions offer novel methods for communicating complex health and social issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility and impact of using community-based participatory theater to disseminate qualitative findings on T2DM management during homelessness.
• To assess the potential of a co-created play to reduce audience stigma towards individuals experiencing homelessness and T2DM.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data collection via five focus groups and two interviews with individuals managing T2DM and experiencing homelessness.
• Collaboration with a theater company to develop a play based on identified themes.
• Staged reading of the play followed by pre- and post-surveys to measure changes in audience-perceived stigma.

Main Results:

• Successfully translated complex qualitative research on T2DM and homelessness into a co-created theatrical production.
• Preliminary data suggests participatory theater can be an effective tool for disseminating research findings and potentially reducing stigma.

Conclusions:

• Community-based participatory theater is a viable and effective method for sharing the lived experiences of individuals with T2DM experiencing homelessness.
• This innovative approach demonstrates potential for increasing empathy and reducing societal stigma associated with these vulnerable populations.