Do Peer Support Groups Facilitate Nutrition Information Practice and Nutritional Self-Management in People Living...

Nutrition information practice is fundamental to the process of nutritional self-management for people living with Type 2 diabetes (PLWT2DM). Lay-led, peer support groups have been proposed as a mechanism offering a source of nutrition information. However, there is limited research exploring how support groups facilitate nutrition information practices in PLWT2DM. The aim of this study was to explore the accessibility, acceptability and effectiveness of lay-led peer support groups in the nutrition information practice of PLWT2DM.

The study took a mixed methods qualitative approach through the lens of practice theory and information practice. Twenty participants (19 were PLWT2DM and one partner) were interviewed following a 4-week diary data collection period where peer support interactions relating to nutrition information practices were recorded by participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Participants used their experiences of advice from a dietitian and structured education sessions to emphasise the relative influence of peer support groups on their nutrition information practices. Particularly their accessibility, ongoing nature and facilitatory environment enabling social interactions. However, key competencies participants needed were feeling that diabetes was an embodied (integrated) part of everyday life, group communication skills and facilitation skills (considered essential for group leaders).

Peer support groups provide a useful addition to the nutrition information landscape of PLWT2DM. However, the stage of disease embodiment (integration) and skills in social interaction impacted on their perceived effectiveness. Dietitians need to consider the benefit and potential longevity of peer support for PLWT2DM particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, as a shift towards online formats for peer support groups have changed their availability and possible effectiveness.