XULA 2026 | 01.03.02 - KaLeigh Pittman

Описание: Abstract #01.03.02 — Perceptions of Black Families on Community Engaged Diabetes Prevention Intervention

Author(s) :: K Pittman; J Evans; K Ingram; M Bell; A Rivers, MPH; S Samuel, PhD; K Baker, MSPAS; S Jordan; MB Weber, PhD, R Quarells, PhD

Author(s) Affiliation(s) :: Albany State University, Department of Natural Sciences (KP; MB); Albany State University, Department of Sociology and Psychology (JE; KI); Morehouse School of Medicine (AR, SS, RQ); Albany Area Primary Health Care (KB, SJ); Emory University (MBW)

PURPOSE: In Georgia, 43.2% of Black people have obesity, a contributing factor towards the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Black families in southwest Georgia, experience higher rates of T2D compared to other race/ethnic groups. Existing prevention models often lack family engagement, essential for sustainable behavior change. This study provides the perspectives of local Black families on adapting a Diabetes Prevention Program to inform the development of the FIGHT for Life study.

METHODS: Participants engaged in two-hour, semi-structured focus group discussions to explore their perceptions. Discussions prioritized daily routines, resource access, and family togetherness to identify strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst perceived barriers. Participants included families living in the same household, one parent/guardian (18+), self-identified as Black, and having prediabetes, and one child (8-15 years). Participants were recruited through local medical facilities, community events, and various media channels. All sessions were audio/video recorded and analyzed using MAXQDA.

RESULTS: Nineteen families (N=38) participated; all parents (N=19; mean age=41yrs) were female and most children (N=19, mean age=11.9yrs) were male. Most parents had a college degree or higher (57.9%), and over half were employed full-time (52.6%). Most parents never married (57.9%), and nearly half (47.4%) reported an annual household income of $20,000-$39,999. Barriers identified by participants included limited access to affordable grocery store options and safety concerns related to physical activity resources. Participants emphasized that for lifestyle changes to be sustained, programs must accommodate families’ time constraints and incorporate healthy adaptations of traditional foods.

DISCUSSION: The findings from this study offer critical insight for refining diabetes prevention interventions among Black families. These findings can be used towards program development to ensure that intervention strategies are culturally relevant, family-centered, and sustainable. Future efforts will focus on incorporating these adaptations into the intervention.

Grant Support :: This research is supported in part by grant number 2U54MD007602-36 from the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities.

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