Experiences and Perceptions of a Culturally Tailored Health Promotion Intervention among Adolescents Living with Type 1 Diabetes in Uganda

Background Children and adolescents living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in low-resource settings face challenges in disease management, including limited disease knowledge, poor dietary practices, and low physical activity. We aimed to explore the experiences, perceptions, and acceptability of a culturally tailored, eight-week health promotion programme among adolescents with T1DM and their caregivers in Uganda. Methods Fourteen participants, including seven adolescents, four caregivers, and three health workers, were purposively sampled from Wakiso Health Centre IV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention to examine participants’ experiences with education sessions, dietary counselling, practical demonstrations, and physical activity modules. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes emerged (i) enhanced diabetes knowledge and self-management capacity, (ii) Behavioural transformation and empowerment and (iii) social support, belonging, and programme acceptability. The findings showed that the program contributed to reduced stigma, strengthened family relationships, and positive perceptions of group-based, culturally relevant delivery. Participants valued practical, hands-on learning and the integration of locally available foods. Conclusion The Active Hearts, Healthy Lives programme was feasible, acceptable, and positively perceived by adolescents with T1DM and their caregivers. These findings support the need for culturally adapted family and caregiver-focused TIDM health promotion and education interventions in LMICs.