Evaluation of a Diabetes Prevention Intervention for Korean American immigrants at Risk for Diabetes

Authors: Simona C Kwon, Laura C Wyatt, Susan S Kum, Jennifer M Zanowiak, Sara S Kim, Stella S Yi, Deborah Min, Linda Lee, Nadia S Islam

In this randomized control trial, authors designed and implemented a diabetes and healthy lifestyle program among Korean-Americans in New York City, United States. Participants were identified and recruited from community centers, faith-based organizations, and cultural events in Queen, a New York City borough. In total, 302 participants consented and enrolled, with 153 randomly assigned to the intervention group and 149 randomly assigned to the control group. Over a six-month study period, each participant in the intervention group received six culturally adapted educational sessions in Korean provided by a trained, bilingual, Korean-American CHW, alongside bi-monthly check-ins. Participants in the control group received only the first informational session. Overall, intervention participants reported significant, positive changes from baseline to 6-months follow-up in diabetes knowledge, nutritional patterns, and physical activity. The results of this study suggest that a CHW-led diabetes prevention program may be used to promote positive lifestyle changes, particularly among minority groups.