Experiences and Perceptions of Developing Prediabetes Awareness and Participating in the National Diabetes Prevention Program among Hispanic adults: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Prediabetes conveys an increased risk for subsequently developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a widely available intensive behavioral intervention that decreases the risk for developing T2D in adults with prediabetes. Data is needed to inform approaches to increase prediabetes awareness and National DPP participation. Only a few studies have explored experiences and perceptions of prediabetes diagnosis and National DPP participation, and no studies have focused on Hispanic adults with prediabetes. OBJECTIVE The study seeks to explore experiences and perceptions of developing prediabetes awareness and participating in the National DPP among US Hispanic adults. METHODS The sample was recruited from participants in the National DPP as implemented in Spanish by a community-based organization in the upper Midwest. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone in April and May 2021. A descriptive approach to qualitative analysis was used. Data from the interviews were reviewed, coded, and integrated into themes to reflect the narratives elicited in the interviews. RESULTS The study sample (n=16), with a mean age of 46±6 years, was predominantly female (94%) and Mexican American (94%). Qualitative analysis resulted in the emergence of four main themes: (a) Processing the news of having prediabetes, (b) Deciding on treatment for T2D primary prevention, (c) Valuing language and cultural congruence in the National DPP, and (d) Appreciating action-oriented knowledge gained during National DPP participation. CONCLUSIONS The findings can be used to inform approaches to increase prediabetes awareness and National DPP participation among US Hispanic adults with prediabetes.