Formative research to adapt the ‘Diabetes Prevention Program- Power to Prevent’ for implementation in Bamako, Mali

There are few community-level behaviors change interventions for reducing diabetes and hypertension risk in Africa, despite increasing cases of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, this study was designed to adapt the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Diabetes Prevention Program Power to Prevent” (DPP-P2P) for use in low-income urban communities of Bamako, Mali.

Feedback was elicited on an initial French PowerPoint adaptation of the DPP-P2P session guidelines from stakeholders at the ministry of health, organizational partners, and medical care providers. Two community health centers in districts with high levels of diabetes or hypertension were selected to assist in developing the Malian adaptation. Focus groups were conducted with 19 community health workers (CHWs) of these centers. Based on feedback from these discussions, more graphics, demonstrations, and role plays were added to the PowerPoint presentations. The 19 CHWs piloted the proposed 12 sessions with 45 persons with diabetes or at-risk patients over a one-month period. Feedback discussions were conducted after each session, and changes in dietary and exercise habits were assessed pre and post participation in the program. This feedback contributed to finalization of a 14-session sequence.

The DPP-P2P session guidelines were adapted for use by low-literacy CHWs, converting the written English guidelines into French PowerPoint presentations with extensive use of pictures, role plays and group discussions to introduce diabetes, diet, and exercise concepts appropriately for the Bamako context. CHWs recommendations for a strong family-oriented program led to expanded sessions on eliciting support from all adults in the household. The 45 participants in the pilot adaptation were enthusiastic about the program. At the end of the program, there were significant increases in the frequency of daily exercise, efforts to limit fat intake, and goals for more healthy diets and exercise levels.

This study documents how an iterative process of developing the DPP-P2P adaptation led to the development of a culturally appropriate set of materials welcomed by participants and having promise for reaching the low-income, low-literacy population with or at risk for diabetes in Bamako, Mali.