Feasibility of a Church-Based, CHW-Delivered Diabetes and SDOH Intervention in a Hispanic Community: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Authors: Elizabeth M. Vaughan DO, MPH, Saad Nadeem MBA, MHA, Ashok Balasubramanyam MD, Craig A. Johnston PhD, Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa PhD, MPH, Mukaila Raji MD, Aanand D. Naik MD, Gabriela A. Gallegos JD & Laura R. Porterfield MD

This study explored whether Community Health Workers (CHWs) based in Hispanic churches could help people prevent and manage diabetes by addressing barriers to healthcare. Five trained CHWs led a six-month programme involving health education, regular phone-based support, and help accessing medical services. Among 47 participants, access to health insurance, regular healthcare, eye examinations, and medication improved. Participants with diabetes also began checking their blood sugar more often. The findings suggest that working with trusted churches and trained CHWs can help Hispanic communities overcome barriers to healthcare and improve diabetes prevention and management.