Developing an intervention to support dietary change for shift workers living with type 2 diabetes: A stakeholder...

Shift workers, compared to day workers, are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Currently, there is no tailored programme of dietary support available to either shift workers living with T2D or employers.

An intervention development consultation workshop was convened in June 2023 with the aim of evaluating potential interventions to identify those with a potential to take forward for further development. Findings from prior formative research into factors influencing dietary behaviour in shift workers with T2D were mapped to potential interventions addressing the barriers and enablers to healthy eating reported by shift workers with T2D. The findings of the Shift-Diabetes Study were presented in the context of the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) theoretical framework of behaviour change. Three interventions in turn were presented to attendees: (1) Educational resources and structured education, (2) Increasing availability and accessibility of food on a night shift and (3) Biofeedback and tailored advice. Seven workshop attendees were invited to express their thoughts, using the APEASE criteria (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects/Safety, Equity) to guide the discussion. The workshop was conducted online and recorded, and transcripts were thematically coded to the APEASE framework.

The workshop highlighted the importance of multilevel interventions to support dietary behaviour change in this occupational group. Priority actions identified include (i) understanding barriers to 24/7 food availability, (ii) including shift workers in clinical diabetes studies and (iii) research to understand the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in shift workers with T2D.