Promoting Intergenerational Health in Rural Kentuckians With Diabetes (PIHRK'D): Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Diabetes Management
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence is rising, especially in rural areas like Kentucky, where unhealthy behaviors are high.
• Kentucky faces significant challenges with obesity (36.5%) and T2DM (13.3%), alongside low physical activity (15.3%) and poor fruit/vegetable intake (4.7%).
• Family-based interventions are suitable for rural communities with intergenerational households to promote health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if social support from family units can drive nutritional and physical activity improvements in overweight/obese individuals with T2DM.
• To explore the effectiveness of family-involved interventions in managing T2DM in a high-risk rural population.

Main Methods:

• A 3-phase study (baseline, intervention, postintervention) collecting demographic, social support, physical activity, and dietary data via validated questionnaires.
• Clinical measures including anthropometrics and T2DM markers (HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure) will be collected.
• A 6-month intervention involving medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and optional "Dining with Diabetes" sessions, with follow-up assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postintervention.

Main Results:

• The study, funded in November 2022, began data collection in September 2023 and aims to conclude in November 2025.
• Currently, 48 participants have been enrolled in the trial.
• Ongoing data collection and analysis are expected to yield insights into the intervention's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• T2DM poses a significant and increasing threat, particularly in rural Kentucky's vulnerable populations.
• This study utilizes family social support, MNT, and nutrition education via the "Dining with Diabetes" program to address T2DM.
• Successful outcomes could guide future family-centered health interventions in similar rural settings.