Community Participatory Co-Design and Development of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Education Program for Hispanic...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Equity
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Few digital health interventions (DHIs) are evidence-based or designed for high-risk youth and families.
• Co-design approaches enhance DHI accessibility and engagement by involving end-users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptation of an evidence-based diabetes prevention program for remote, digital delivery.
• To inform the development of accessible and engaging DHIs for adolescents with obesity.

Main Methods:

• A modified framework guided the adaptation of an in-person program for digital delivery.
• Co-design involved Hispanic adolescents (n=23) with obesity and their parents (n=15) through focus groups and expert panels.
• Usability testing of the digital platform informed refinements for content and design.

Main Results:

• Most participants had stable internet access and preferred asynchronous digital sessions (77.8%).
• Participants found the content easy to understand and engaging; 81% participated in a food tasting activity.
• Usability feedback highlighted needs for larger fonts, easier navigation, and better color contrast on the digital platform.

Conclusions:

• Co-design improved DHI interactivity, engagement, and usability for adolescents and families.
• The described adaptation process, using a guiding framework and community collaboration, will inform future digital intervention studies.