Purpose: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been shown to lead to a reduction in diabetes risk through lifestyle changes; however the results from effectiveness trials with this program have not been translated into widespread practice. This research aims to assess older adult's knowledge about diabetes and healthy lifestyles, and their willingness to adopt peer-leader support and health-related technology for diabetes prevention and management.
Method: We conducted four-2 hour focus group sessions (4 to 8 participants each) among veterans who had participated in a DPP intervention that included peer leaders and telehealth. The discussions were recorded and transcribed. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to guide coding and analysis of data. Three raters read all transcripts and developed topical codes and definitions. Qualitative coding was used to group the data under themes and categories according to the aims.
Results: Thirty two adults (age 67±4 years, 71.8 % men, 37.5% Blacks and 21.8% Hispanics) participated in the sessions. A number of themes emerged.
· Regarding the interventions: veterans preferred to receive the intervention in groups; and the barriers to doing exercise or participating in interventions were more physical (chronic conditions or mobilization problems) than economic or social.
· Regarding the technology used: participants liked the idea of the cell phone, but were afraid to fail in its use – they wanted to receive training first; participants were not used to sending and receiving text messages; but overall the telehealth intervention was well received by all participants.
· Regarding the peer leaders: the idea of the peer leaders was welcome; the peer leaders should be someone similar to the participants but with different actual behavior, and individuals who had been successful in goal achievement.
Conclusion: Some results of the focus groups may have been shaped by the fact that the participants were veterans; for example, the strong desire to participate as a group and work as a team. Others, e.g., the approach to technology and peer leaders, are likely to generalize to a wider population. The general enthusiasm for innovative strategies such as peer-leader support and telemedicine for diabetes prevention and management might have a great impact the health of South Florida older diabetics.