Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

Participant satisfaction and perceived impacts of a community-based diabetes prevention program among Chinese adults with pre-diabetes (128610)

Renee Chu 1 , Mandy Ho 1 , Michael Lau 2 , Kammie Yu 3 , Heidi Chan 4 , Dorothy Ho 5 , Amy Lau 6 , Wendy Li 2
  1. School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  2. Christian Family Service Centre, Hong Kong
  3. Angel of Diabetics, Hong Kong
  4. The United Christian Nethersole Community Health Services, Hong Kong
  5. Hong Kong Red Cross, Hong Kong
  6. Health In Action, Hong Kong

Background:
Type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern, especially among Chinese adults with obesity and pre-diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and physical activity, are the first line strategies for diabetes prevention. Culturally tailored, community-based lifestyle interventions are essential to effectively engage this population and promote sustainable behavioral change for diabetes prevention.

Aims:
This study aims to evaluate participant satisfaction and perceived impacts of a community-based diabetes prevention program among Chinese adults with obesity and pre-diabetes.

Methods:
The research team trained five local NGOs to deliver an evidence-based, culturally adapted diabetes prevention program. Chinese adults with obesity (BMI≥25kg/m2) and pre-diabetes were recruited from community settings. Participants engaged in structured lifestyle interventions over six months. The program included six monthly group sessions (15–20 participants, two hours each), emphasizing diet, physical activity, and goal setting, along with two individual diet counseling sessions. An anonymous evaluation form was completed by participants after 6-month intervention, assessing satisfaction with the group-based intervention and individual diet counseling, as well as perceived improvements in health knowledge and behaviors.

Results:
676 participants enrolled (72.8% female, mean age = 53.5 years, mean BMI =28.4 kg/m2), with 450 evaluation forms were received (66.6% response rate). Nearly all participants (98%) reported increased knowledge about diabetes prevention and increased awareness of their health status (98%), along with improved dietary habits (97%) and exercise habits (93%). 98% agreed/ strongly agreed that individual diet counseling sessions provided personalized guidance addressing their individual dietary needs. Participants rated the nutrition class and individual diet counseling as the most useful intervention components. Furthermore, 96% agreed/strongly agreed that this program helped them manage their weight and prevent diabetes.

Conclusion:
The group-based lifestyle interventions achieved high satisfaction and promoted behavioral change among participants. Future research should assess the long-term effectiveness of these programs in diabetes prevention.