Evaluation of a Workplace Diabetes Prevention Program Delivered via Distance Learning: A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adoption of distance learning for health programs.
• Impact of distance learning on the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) delivery remains understudied.
• Workplace health promotion models require adaptation for virtual delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of a distance-learning workplace DPP on participant knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills.
• To assess the effectiveness of virtual DPP delivery in promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
• To understand participant experiences with distance learning for diabetes prevention.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using repeated interviews with 27 participants over 12 months (September 2020 - July 2022).
• Thematic analysis guided by the information-motivation-behavioral skills framework.
• Data collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• Participants reported distance learning was effective for behavior change.
• Key elements included food logging, caloric intake limits, nutrition education, and healthy recipes.
• Strategies for physical activity and group support enhanced motivation and adherence.

Conclusions:

• A workplace DPP delivered via distance learning successfully improved knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills.
• Virtual delivery is a viable and effective platform for the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
• Distance learning facilitated sustained healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.