Engaging People in Medically Underserved Areas in the Community-Based Healthy Eating and Active Living to Reverse Diabetes (HEAL Diabetes) Program.

Background/Objectives: Recruiting and retaining low-income participants in community-based diabetes interventions remains a persistent challenge, particularly in medically underserved areas. This study describes engagement strategies and lessons learned recruiting for a 12-month pilot of a community...

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Publicado en:Diabetology Vol. 6; no. 7; pp. 59 - 75
Autores principales: Boykins, Alexandria M., Surbhi, Satya, Bailey, James E.
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: MDPI Jul2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jul2025
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      pub: MDPI
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        atl: Engaging People in Medically Underserved Areas in the Community-Based Healthy Eating and Active Living to Reverse Diabetes (HEAL Diabetes) Program.
      aug:
        au:
          Boykins, Alexandria M.
          Surbhi, Satya
          Bailey, James E.
        affil: Tennessee Population Health Consortium, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
      sug:
        subj:
          Medically Underserved Area United States
          Diabetes Mellitus Therapy
          Behavior Modification
          Patient Attitudes
          Research Subject Retention
          Research Subject Recruitment
          Program Evaluation
          Quality Improvement
          Health Promotion
          Health Behavior
          Eating Behavior
          Health Services Research
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Descriptive Research
          Exploratory Research
          Multimethod Studies
          Descriptive Statistics
          Pilot Studies
          Funding Source
          Diabetic Patients
          Low Socioeconomic Status
          Health Services Accessibility
          United States
          African Americans
          Behavioral Changes
          Life Style Changes
          Diabetes Mellitus Prevention and Control
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Aged
          Aged, 80 and Over
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Aged, 80 & over
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background/Objectives: Recruiting and retaining low-income participants in community-based diabetes interventions remains a persistent challenge, particularly in medically underserved areas. This study describes engagement strategies and lessons learned recruiting for a 12-month pilot of a community-based, medically tailored nutrition program for diabetes remission and weight loss. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory mixed-methods study was performed to assess the effectiveness of recruitment and engagement strategies in the HEAL Diabetes program and identify areas for improvement. Recruitment and enrollment data were tracked utilizing recruitment logs and field notes. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze recruitment activity and retention rates, while qualitative analysis of fieldnotes identified key barriers and facilitators. Results: Among 83 eligible participants, 63 (75.9%) completed the in-person screening and 35 (55.6% enrollment rate) enrolled. Retention was high, with 30 completing the study. Participants were largely African American (97.1%), female (70.6%), average age of 59.8 years, with a household income below USD 49,000 (74.3%). Recruitment cycles achieved 87.5% of the target before budget constraints halted enrollment. Recruitment was hindered by limited clinical integration, social barriers and life demands, while facilitators to recruiting included trust, flexibility, and tangible support for participation. Conclusions: Conventional recruitment methods, including registry-based approaches, were insufficient for engaging underserved populations. Participant-centric strategies, emphasizing trust, practical support, and structural and cultural relevance, can help enhance enrollment and retention. Effective engagement in community-based diabetes interventions requires multifaceted approaches that address clinical, social, and structural barriers to participation.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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