Culturally Appropriate Peer-Led Behavior Support Program for African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Current literature poorly defines the specific ways trained peer supporter influences health care behaviors. This study attempts to identify the key defining features of a culturally appropriate peer support program for African Americans with type 2 diabetes by exploring participants experiences related to assistance with daily disease management, emotional support, linkage to clinic care and community resources, and ongoing support. We used a qualitative interpretive descriptive approach to collect data through semi-structured interviews from 20 African Americans with type 2 diabetes participating in a peer support program. Interviews captured participants' background and experiences with the peer supporter and evaluated the cultural appropriateness of the peer support intervention. Data was coded deductively using predetermined codes found in the peer support literature and inductively to identify emergent themes. Three specific themes were identified namely [1] healthy behaviors [2] frequent telephonic contact and [3] emotional support as a by-product of other support activities. These findings mirror the broader literature on what constitutes culturally appropriate peer support programs for ethnic minorities. We recommend the inclusion of culturally appropriate peer support program to complement diabetes management as targeted plan for improvement in clinical care and ultimately, diabetes outcome.

Development, implementation and participant evaluation of combining text messaging and peer group support in a weight management programme for African-American women

“…Researchers and peers could both serve as key role models in this context. Okoro et al. (2018) also identified that emotional support is one of the key themes throughout their peer-led behaviour programme for African-Americans with type 2 diabetes.…”

“…The researchers provided inexpensive, healthy snacks for each session to model healthy eating, to familiarise participants with potentially new healthy food choices, and to expand their thinking about food. Women expressed satisfaction with the healthy snacks that were provided during peer group sessions since they struggle with eating habits (Okoro et al., 2018). The healthy snack options were available at the American Heart Association website for the African-American population.…”

“…Peer group support can be used to build strong social relationships, as well as provide social support and networking. Indeed, peer group support interventions have been used to foster healthy behaviour changes in several studies (Lee et al., 2018b; Okoro et al., 2018). One such study reported that team-based interventions that utilised groups of peers provided strong networks that positively influenced health behaviour change for weight loss (Leahey et al., 2012).…”

Experience of Culturally-Tailored Diabetes Interventions for Ethnic Minorities: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…The first author conducted the initial analysis and synthesis, and the second author confirmed the results, which are presented in Table 2. Table 1 summarizes characteristics of the seven included studies (Amirehsani et al, 2019;Brunk et al, 2017;Islam et al, 2013;Maglalang et al, 2017;Okoro et al, 2018;Vincent, 2009;Whitney et al, 2017). All studies were published between 2009 and 2019, five since 2017.…”

“…These data were then translated in English for analysis (Amirehsani et al, 2019;Brunk et al, 2017;Islam et al, 2013;Vincent, 2009). Other studies, whose participants were African Americans and Filipino Americans, collected data in English (Maglalang et al, 2017;Okoro et al, 2018;Whitney et al, 2017). Four studies used thematic synthesis for their qualitative analysis (Brunk et al, 2017;Maglalang et al, 2017;Okoro et al, 2018;Whitney et al, 2017).…”